Queens, NY — Rising floodwaters trapped a woman inside her submerged vehicle on the Jackie Robinson Parkway during Wednesday night’s severe flash flooding, but an off-duty New York City firefighter spotted the emergency and pulled her to safety moments before conditions worsened.
The Fire Department of New York said Ladder 123 Firefighter Travis Langan was off duty when he noticed several stranded vehicles surrounded by floodwater in Queens. After learning a woman remained trapped inside one of the submerged cars, Langan climbed onto the vehicle, broke through the sunroof, and rescued Carmen Pinto from inside.
FDNY officials said the rescue unfolded during intense flash flooding that swept through parts of New York City Wednesday night, leaving roadways inundated and vehicles stranded across multiple boroughs.
Rescue Happened During Dangerous Flood Conditions
According to the FDNY, rapidly rising water surrounded Pinto’s vehicle on the Jackie Robinson Parkway, creating a life-threatening situation as flood levels climbed around the car.
Officials said Langan acted immediately after realizing someone remained trapped inside one of the submerged vehicles.
The firefighter climbed onto the car, broke through the sunroof, and pulled Pinto out to safety.
The dramatic rescue highlighted the dangers drivers faced during Wednesday night’s storms, which produced severe flash flooding throughout parts of Queens and other areas of the city.
Key Points
• Off-duty FDNY firefighter Travis Langan rescued a woman trapped in a submerged car in Queens
• The rescue happened during severe flash flooding on the Jackie Robinson Parkway
• Firefighter Langan and rescued driver Carmen Pinto reunited Friday at FDNY Headquarters
Emotional Reunion Held at FDNY Headquarters
On Friday, Langan and Pinto reunited for the first time since the rescue during a meeting at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn.
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore praised the firefighter’s actions and said the rescue reflected the department’s culture of service both on and off duty.
“Travis was incredibly brave, saving Carmen’s life in that one moment when she needed it the most,” Bonsignore said. “Our members do not need a uniform to step in and help someone in danger. It is who they are, not just what they do.”
Photos released by the FDNY showed the pair embracing during the reunion days after the near-tragedy on the flooded parkway.
Flash Flooding Created Dangerous Driving Conditions Across NYC
Wednesday night’s storms caused rapidly changing road conditions across New York City, with floodwaters quickly overwhelming low-lying roadways and trapping multiple vehicles.
The Jackie Robinson Parkway, which runs through Queens and Brooklyn, has historically experienced flooding during periods of intense rainfall, especially in areas with poor drainage or sudden downpours.
Emergency responders across the city handled multiple weather-related incidents as the storm system moved through the region.
