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Asheville Fire Crews Conduct Successful River Rescue

Firefighters rescuing a driver from a submerged car in the French Broad River

Asheville, August 27, 2025

News Summary

Asheville fire crews executed a low-angle rescue on Tuesday after a car fell into the French Broad River. The incident, which occurred around 7:45 a.m., required immediate action from emergency responders to extract the driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle. By 8:50 a.m., the driver was safely rescued and taken to a local hospital. Lyman Street was temporarily closed for the operation but reopened shortly after. The swift response of the Asheville Fire Department highlights the critical role of emergency services in urban areas.

Asheville fire crews conducted a low-angle rescue on Tuesday morning after a car plunged into the French Broad River from an embankment off Lyman Street. The incident, which took place around 7:45 a.m. in the River Arts District, required immediate intervention from fire and rescue services to ensure the driver’s safety.

Emergency responders were dispatched promptly after the call for help was received. Firefighters carried out a water rescue operation to extract the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. By 8:50 a.m., the rescue team had successfully retrieved the driver from the submerged car and brought them safely back up the embankment.

Following the rescue, the driver was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. As of now, no further details about the driver’s condition have been released. Due to the nature of the incident, Lyman Street was temporarily closed to allow for rescue operations. The street was reopened shortly after the successful extraction, around 9 a.m.

Fire officials, including Asheville Fire Department’s Communication Specialist, provided information regarding the swift response to the emergency. Local news coverage captured the rescue operation using drone footage, showcasing the coordinated efforts of the firefighters as they managed the challenging situation.

The rescue aimed not only to save the driver but also to restore traffic flow as quickly as possible in the busy River Arts District. The situation highlights the important work of fire crews in emergency scenarios, showcasing their skill and efficiency in times of crisis.

Key Points of the Incident

  • Rescue took place on Tuesday morning at approximately 7:45 a.m.
  • Car went over an embankment into the French Broad River.
  • The driver was the only person in the vehicle.
  • Successful rescue concluded by 8:50 a.m.
  • Driver taken to a hospital for evaluation.
  • Lyman Street traffic was temporarily closed and reopened by 9 a.m.

Background Context

This incident is part of a broader trend of emergency responses in urban areas, wherein fire departments play a crucial role in rescuing individuals from perilous situations. Water rescues, while less common, underscore the unpredictability of such emergencies and the need for trained professionals to respond quickly and effectively. The Asheville Fire Department regularly trains for various rescue scenarios, enabling them to safely manage incidents like this one in a timely manner.

FAQ

What happened in Asheville on Tuesday morning?

A car went over an embankment and plunged into the French Broad River, prompting a rescue operation by the fire department.

What time did the incident occur?

The call for help was received at around 7:45 a.m.

How was the driver rescued?

The Asheville fire crews performed a low-angle water rescue to safely extract the driver from the submerged vehicle.

Was anyone else in the vehicle?

No, the driver was the only occupant of the car.

What actions were taken after the rescue?

The driver was taken to the hospital for further evaluation, and Lyman Street was temporarily closed during the rescue operation.

When was Lyman Street reopened?

Lyman Street was reopened shortly after the rescue operation was completed, around 9 a.m.

Chart of Key Features

Feature Detail
Incident Type Car plunged into French Broad River
Time of Incident 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday
Occupants 1 driver
Rescue Completion By 8:50 a.m.
Driver’s Condition Transported to hospital for evaluation
Lyman Street Status Closed during rescue; reopened by 9 a.m.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER

The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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