Police, firefighters work frantically to free kids from submerged car, Utah video shows

Newly released body camera footage shows first responders in Salt Lake City rushing to free two children from a submerged car after the driver lost control and crashed into a river.

The car landed upside down in the Jordan Surplus Canal with an adult driver and four kids — ages 17, 16, 15 and 2 — inside, according to a news release from the Salt Lake City Police Department. The driver and the two oldest teens were able to escape, but the two youngest were trapped inside the car while it was completely submerged, police said.

After arriving, four officers immediately took off their vests and ran into the water to save the kids, according to the release.

“With no thought to personal safety, officers immediately stripped their gear and attempted a daring rescue of these two children,” Police Chief Mike Brown said. “It was dark. The water was cold. But these officers did not hesitate to come to the aid and work to save lives. I am proud of them.”

Once firefighters arrived, they also dove into the river to help free the children, police said. One used a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which is used to help firefighters breathe in oxygen-deficient environments, to break into the car and rescue both kids, according to the release.

The two children were resuscitated at a hospital, police said. But the 15-year-old later died from his injuries and the 2-year-old remains in critical condition, WHNT reported.

Body camera footage from two officers shows first responders working frantically to help free the kids. Both are seen removing their gear to jump into the water and one clip shows an officer desperately searching for a rope to pull the children to safety.

The video did not capture the moment the kids were pulled from the water.

“The rescue of these two children illustrates the dedication of Salt Lake City’s public safety employees. The immediate action of both SLCPD and SLCFD brought both children out of the water and to awaiting medical care,” Fire Chief Karl Lieb said. “And I am exceedingly proud of our team’s commitment to preserving life — even at great risk to our own.”