BONNEVILLE COUNTY, ID – A Utah family of six was rescued from the Snake River Monday afternoon after their van veered off the road near Fall Creek Campground and became partially submerged downstream.
The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. on July 14, when the van rolled into the river off Snake River Road. The driver called 911, reporting that his wife and four children were trapped inside the van as it floated downstream and began filling with water.
Emergency responders located the vehicle lodged on rocks in the river’s current just upstream of Fall Creek Falls. The family remained inside the van with their heads above water as rope and dive rescue teams arrived on scene.
Using ropes and rescue gear, personnel from multiple agencies successfully extracted all six occupants and pulled them up a 30-foot embankment to safety. No injuries were reported beyond cold water exposure, and ambulance crews evaluated the family at the scene.
According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the van’s passenger-side tires slipped off the road edge, causing it to roll down the embankment and into the river. The family had reportedly been camping in the area with friends prior to the accident.
Responding agencies included the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Dive Rescue Team, Idaho Falls Ambulance, Swan Valley Fire, and Jefferson Central Technical Rescue Team. A BCSO deputy camping nearby and several bystanders also helped secure the vehicle and assist in the rescue.
Snake River Road was closed for about two hours while the van was removed from the water.
