Firefighter risks life in icy river to save stranded car

Video footage showed the firefighter wading into the fast-flowing, icy river

Last updated: January 08, 2026 | 14:16

Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor

1 MIN READ

Dubai: A dramatic rescue unfolded in eastern Bosnia as a firefighter risked his life to save a car trapped in the freezing waters of the Drina River after severe flooding swept through the region.

The vehicle was left half-submerged after days of relentless rain, and snowfall caused rivers to swell beyond their banks. Video footage showed the firefighter wading into the fast-flowing, icy river, battling strong currents and bitter cold to secure the stranded car and prevent it from being swept away.

Bosnia, like several Balkan countries, has been hit hard by extreme winter weather since the weekend. Heavy rainfall combined with melting snow has flooded homes, submerged roads and triggered power outages in multiple areas. Emergency crews have been working around the clock, responding to rising water levels and helping residents protect their property.

Authorities warned that conditions remain dangerous, with more rain forecast in parts of the region. The firefighter’s brave act has drawn praise online, symbolising the dedication of emergency workers facing harsh weather to keep communities safe.

Video from AFP

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Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor

Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.