Firefighters Brave Surging Waves To Rescue Dog Trapped In Wrecked Van

Firefighters and lifeguards braved waves and a rocky shoreline to rescue a dog trapped inside a wrecked van along Highway 1 north of Malibu.

The crash happened on October 3 near Deer Creek Road, where the white van came off the highway and landed on rocks in the surf about 50 feet below the roadway.

Footage shows a firefighter in a yellow helmet working beside the damaged van as waves break around it. A lifeguard stands in the water near the front of the vehicle while more rescuers make their way down the rocks.

The driver managed to escape with one dog, but a second dog remained inside. Firefighters and lifeguards reached the van, freed the trapped dog and carried it back up to the road.

Neither dog appeared to be hurt. One patient was taken to a hospital in stable condition with minor injuries.

Ventura County Fire Department, California State Parks lifeguards, Gold Coast Ambulance and the California Highway Patrol responded to the crash. The scene was later turned over to the CHP.