After Baltimore bridge collapse, Waco Fire stresses importance of preparedness

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Six people died in the Baltimore bridge collapse and all of them were working on the bridge at the time. Two of the bodies were found in the water in a red pickup truck.

Captain Eric Riser with the Waco Fire Department recommends knowing what to do if your car ends up submerged in water.

“If you know you’re going in the water, try to get your window down slightly,” Captain Riser said. “If the window is closed completely the car will be full of air while the water pressure from outside is pushing in.”

Remember to keep a safety hammer in your car because it could mean the difference between life and death.

”If you had to break your window, you could shatter it with the hammer then cut your seatbelt off,” Captain Riser said.

Moments before the Baltimore bridge collapse cargo ship operators alerted authorities, allowing them to limit traffic on the bridge. The collapse also happened at 1:30 a.m., well before the morning traffic rush.

But if the Baltimore tragedy did take place in the Waco-area, Captain Riser’s team likely would have used their rapid diver system.

”It’s a system that takes roughly 30 seconds to a minute to get on, get out of their vehicle and go wherever the incident is,” Captain Riser said.

The Waco Fire Department has four boats that most likely would have assisted too.

”In the past, we have had situations like a car going off the roadway into a flooded creek or pond off the side of the road,” Captain Riser said. “We have also had a few off the bridge incidents.”

In the rare event your car ends up submerged in water, Captain Riser recommends keeping your cool as first responders arrive.

”The biggest recommendation we have is to try and stay calm, which is going to be very difficult,” Captain Riser said. “If you can stay calm you can keep your orientation in a situation like that one.”