Longview Fire rescues driver in slough with water up to windows

The Longview Fire Department reports the driver who drove into a Longview slough early Thursday was at risk of catching hypothermia before crews rescued him.

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A Washington State Patrol press memo says Christopher M. Bianchi, 45, of Skamokawa, was headed east on Mt. Solo Road around 6 a.m. when his 2010 Honda Civic veered off the road and landed partially submerged in the nearby slough.

Longview Fire reports in a Friday notice that the driver was found inside the car with water up to the driver's window.

That water, combined with the cold temperatures, posed a risk of hypothermia, according to Longview Fire.

LFD

Longview Fire Department crews use ropes to rescue a driver in a Mt. Solo Road slough on Thursday, April 16, in Longview.

Crews used ground and aerial ladders, along with ropes, to remove him from the unstable vehicle, according to the notice.

Bianchi was transported to Longview's PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center, according to the Washington State Patrol press memo.

He was cited for second-degree negligent driving, the memo states.

Neither drugs nor alcohol was involved in the crash, according to the report.

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