Firefighter Wades Through Emma Street Underpass to Rescue Stranded Motorist in Binghamton

Binghamton, NY -  A Binghamton firefighter waded through deep floodwaters to guide a stranded motorist to safety Wednesday morning after a vehicle became trapped beneath the Emma Street railroad underpass in Broome County.

At approximately 10:49 a.m. on September 2, the Binghamton Fire Department dispatched Quint 2 to the Emma Street underpass following emergency reports of a civilian stranded in rising stormwater.

Upon arrival, a firefighter entered the floodwater to conduct a reach-and-wade rescue. Operating under hazardous zero-visibility aquatic conditions, the firefighter used a standard pike pole to probe and sweep the submerged pavement ahead, actively checking for missing manhole covers, terrain drop-offs, and submerged debris. The rescuer reached the trapped individual without incident and escorted them through the water back to dry ground. No injuries were reported.