Dramatic Video Shows Woman Pulled From Submerged Car in Pond by Rescuers in South Carolina
HORRY COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA – A dramatic rescue along a busy South Carolina highway was caught on video Tuesday afternoon, showing first responders and bystanders pulling a woman from a car partially submerged in a pond in Horry County.
The incident happened around 2:45 p.m. near Highway 17 Bypass, directly in front of Hamrick’s department store, according to Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR).
Bystanders and Firefighters Work Together to Save Driver
Video footage provided by Eric Maher captured the tense moment when rescuers reached the vehicle sinking in the water. Several bystanders and emergency crews can be seen wading into the pond before pulling the woman through the driver’s side window and carrying her to safety on the grassy bank.
HCFR officials confirmed that the woman was alert and responsive after the rescue. Medics evaluated her, along with two bystanders who jumped in to help, but no one required hospitalization.
“This was a team effort — quick actions from both citizens and our firefighters made the difference,” an HCFR spokesperson said following the incident.
Highway Shut Down During Response
The crash, which also involved another vehicle, temporarily blocked multiple lanes of Highway 17 Bypass as crews worked to clear the area and pull the submerged car from the pond.
An HCFR dive team assisted in the recovery by attaching a tow line to the vehicle, which was later removed by a wrecker service.
No injuries were reported in the crash, according to authorities.
Investigation Underway
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating what caused the accident that led to the vehicle entering the water. Early reports indicate that weather conditions were clear at the time, and officials are still reviewing traffic footage and eyewitness accounts.
Local residents nearby said the quick response of both the public and firefighters likely prevented a tragedy. “It all happened so fast — one second she was in the water, the next, people were jumping in after her,” said one witness.
A Powerful Reminder of Community Courage
The video of the rescue has since spread across social media, drawing praise for the bravery of the rescuers and the bystanders who acted without hesitation.
“This shows the power of community,” another Horry County resident commented. “Strangers became heroes in seconds.”
Readers who witnessed the incident or have stories of local heroism are encouraged to share their experiences in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, where updates on the investigation and similar rescue stories continue to be shared.
