OCALA, FL (352today.com) — A driver was safely rescued Monday evening after a rollover crash on SW 52nd Terrace in Ocala.
Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to the scene around 7:25 p.m. after receiving reports that a vehicle had overturned and someone was trapped inside. Dispatchers told crews the driver was still inside the vehicle, and just three minutes later, firefighters arrived to find a silver Toyota RAV4 flipped onto its side.
Firefighters stabilized the vehicle using cribbing – stacked wooden blocks used to prevent movement – along with other tools to keep the SUV secure during the rescue. Despite a language barrier, the driver and first responders managed to communicate using simple hand gestures, like giving a thumbs-up, to let rescuers know he was OK.
Once the vehicle was stabilized, responders helped the driver get out through the sunroof. The driver, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, was helped onto a stretcher and taken to the hospital in stable condition to be checked out.
The Ocala Police Department and Marion County Fire Rescue also assisted at the scene.
OFR reminds you to buckle up, keep your tires in good shape, and slow down when the weather’s bad or visibility is low, all simple steps that can help prevent dangerous rollover crashes.