Drone Captures Rescue from Big Rig Hanging Off Louisville, KY, Bridge

March 2, 2024
Louisville firefighters used an aerial ladder and rope system to rescue the driver of an 18-wheeler that was hanging from a bridge.

The driver of a tractor-trailer that was dangling over the Ohio River in Louisville Friday suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Two others involved in the crash suffered serious injuries. 

The tractor-trailer was involved in a four-vehicle accident on the Clark Memorial Bridge around 12 p.m., according to the Lexington Hearld Leader.

During a press conference, Mayor Craig Greenberg said, “within 40 minutes of the accident taking place, the Louisville Division of Fire began, conducted and concluded an absolutely heroic rescue."

Firefighter Bryce Carden, 29, was lowered by a rope system from an aerial ladder to the dangling cab to make contact with the driver. Carden, a six-year member of the department, cut her seatbelt and placed her in a rescue harness before the pair was hauled up to the roadway by firefighters.

"She was amazing and so brave through the entire thing, Fire Chief Brian O'Neill said of the driver, who was a military veteran.

"Through their swift and proficient maneuvering, they safely rescued the victim in about 40 minutes. We are incredibly proud of all the members on the scene today," the department shared on Facebook.

The truck was removed from the bridge - which connects Indiana with Kentucky - nearly eight hours after the crash.

Officials said the Department of Transportation used drones to assist with their evaluation of the damage to the bridge.