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A rope was used to keep the truck from floating down Fossil Creek.

Water Rescue Drama

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HALTOM CITY — One person was rescued after his pickup truck was swept over a spillway in a creek at Diamond Oaks Country Club in Haltom City Tuesday morning.

The driver was attempting to use a low-water crossing on top of the Fossil Creek spillway when high water from overnight rains caused the truck to go over the edge.

"It had actually gone over the low-head dam, and we had to secure the vehicle so it wouldn't float on down the stream with the person inside," said Haltom City Fire Department Chief Fred Knapp.

Knapp said the driver of the truck called for help using a cell phone, and was trapped in his vehicle for about 30 minutes before rescue teams were ready to get him out.

"We put a life preserver on him and we walked him to the shore," Knapp said.

WFAA-TV meteorologist Greg Fields said the area had received less than in inch of rain during Tuesday morning storms. "It doesn't take a whole lot to float a car," he said, noting that less than two feet of water can lift a vehicle.

Knapp added that a swift water rescue like this is one of the most hazardous undertakings for emergency personnel. "It's extremely powerful and it can overwhelm you very rapidly," he said.

E-mail wzwirko@wfaa.com