Bystanders rescue woman and toddler from submerged truck at Martin’s Fork Lake

HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. — Five bystanders helped prevent a potentially tragic incident at Martin’s Fork Lake Thursday afternoon in Harlan County.

According to Trooper Shane Jacobs, public affairs officer for Kentucky State Police Post 10, five people rushed to save a woman and 2-year-old child from a truck that had rolled into the water.

Authorities say at about 2:43 p.m. on Thursday, troopers received a call regarding a pickup truck that had rolled backwards down a boat ramp and into Martin’s Fork Lake with an older female and a toddler trapped inside of the cab.

Troopers say as the vehicle became submerged, witnesses immediately saw the danger and acted “without hesitation.”

Carla Grindstaff, Tyler Grindstaff, Emma Beckman and Colton Beckman raced into the water in an effort to reach the occupants, authorities say. According to troopers, Carla Grindstaff was able to rescue the child from the sinking vehicle and safely pass him to Emma Beckman, while Tyler Grindstaff and Colton Beckman worked to free the elderly woman from the cab.

Hunter Burkhart, who was nearby, also entered the water to assist. Together, Hunter, Tyler and Colton safely brought the woman back to shore.

Thanks to the swift and selfless actions of all five individuals, troopers say both the woman and the child were rescued without serious injury.

“Incidents like this serve as a powerful reminder that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary acts. In a matter of moments, these five individuals placed the lives of strangers ahead of their own safety,” KSP stated.