Video shows bystanders dive into Miami River and rescue two trapped city workers from sinking truck

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Shocking footage captured the moment a City of Miami pickup truck veered off a dock and plunged into the Miami River on December 1. Two quick-thinking bystanders jumped into the water to rescue the trapped occupants before the vehicle sank.

The chaos unfolded near Northwest 18th Terrace. Video obtained by Local 10 News shows the waste-management pickup barreling forward, smashing through a chain-link fence, clipping a tree, and then dropping straight into the river.

Boat captain Mauricio Florez was working nearby when he heard the crash. “I heard like a big noise, like an explosion,” he told Local 10.

He immediately began recording on his phone and saw the truck sinking quickly with two women inside, screaming for help. “It was a crazy situation for us because we’re normally used to seeing boats in the marina, not cars sinking,” Florez said.

Bystanders save two women trapped in sinking truck

Within seconds, two men sprang into action. One of them, Rafael Valdez, swam to the driver’s side and used all his strength to shatter the window. He began pulling the women out one by one as water rushed in. The occupants were pinned by deployed airbags and tangled seatbelts.

“They were stuck inside for the air bag and with the seatbelt,” Florez explained. A second rescuer, who wasn’t identified, also jumped in and helped cut away the restraints so both women could be freed.

Florez praised Valdez. “For me, he is the hero of the day. The two women are alive because of him,” he said. 

Cellphone footage shows Valdez hauling each woman through the broken window as the truck continued to sink. Moments after the final woman was pulled to safety, the vehicle disappeared underwater. Photos taken shortly after show only bubbles where the truck had been, revealing how little time the rescuers had. Both women, who were city waste-management employees, walked away without a scratch. “I saw that it was a car for the city of Miami for the waste management,” Florez said. “The most important thing is they are alive.”

Valdez, however, suffered a deep gash on his leg that required 18 stitches. “I feel good that I got there in time,” Valdez told 7News in Spanish, showing reporters the large bandage covering the wound.

Miami truck plunge damages charter boat as city praises rescuers

Before hitting the water, the runaway truck slammed into a docked charter boat used for fishing tours and leisure cruises under the Valentina Yacht Party banner. “A car coming, jumped to my, go to my boat,” said the boat’s owner, Roberto Alarcon. “Too much damage, everything.”

The impact left a gaping hole in the vessel. Alarcon said he plans to file an insurance claim to cover the extensive repairs. By Tuesday morning, 7News cameras captured the mangled section of chain-link fence and the path the truck took on its way into the river.

City of Miami officials confirmed the two workers were inside the truck when it plunged into the water.

“Thanks to the quick and courageous actions of private citizens who immediately responded and entered the water to assist, both individuals were safely rescued,” the city said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the employees. We are grateful they were safely pulled from the water without suffering any injury.”

Officials added they are reviewing all relevant safety protocols to prevent anything similar from happening again. Miami Police continue investigating what caused the driver to lose control and veer off the dock. No further details have been released.