Squamish firefighters rescue 4 people, dog trapped in sinking vehicle

Four people and a dog were rescued by firefighters in Squamish after getting trapped in a sinking vehicle. (Source: Facebook/ SFR)

Four people and one dog are recovering after being rescued from a vehicle as it sank into a creek near Squamish Valley Road.

Squamish Fire Rescue says crews were called to the scene early Saturday morning, arriving to find a partially submerged vehicle that was sinking with occupants trapped inside.

“Time was of the essence, given the frigid water temperatures, so our firefighters with specialized water rescue training quickly swam to the vehicle,” the department wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday, alongside a photo of two firefighters on the roof of the partially submerged vehicle.

According to the union representing Squamish firefighters, all four occupants and the dog were rescued, brought back to shore, and transferred to an ambulance within eight minutes.

“This remarkably quick rescue is a direct result of our firefighters with specialized water rescue training,” IAFF Local 2874 said in a separate social media post.

Squamish Fire Rescue says its water rescue team members receive extra training annually and are certified for rescues in rivers, lakes, and ice.

Authorities say the rescued individuals were treated for hypothermia but are expected to make a full recovery.

CTV News has reached out for more information. This article will be updated if a response is received.