An RVer is safe—and now dry—after his Class A motorhome plunged into a river. The unnamed driver took an unexpected detour into Colorado’s Big Thompson River near Loveland last Saturday.
Rig “drove” down the embankment
Authorities still aren’t clear on what caused the river excursion. What is known is that about 2 p.m., the big motorhome left the roadway and took a downhill detour. It’s estimated the rig “drove” down the 75-foot embankment and into the river.
The RVer, who was alone in the motorhome, was able to get out of the rig. From there he made his way to the river bank.
Loveland Fire Rescue Authority battalion chief, Kevin Hessler, told local media outlet 9News, “I feel like he just pretty much drove down there, by the looks of it, because the damage to the RV was pretty much on the underside of the RV.”
Class A motorhome plunged into a river—getting it out was a major issue
While getting the uninjured RVer back to safety wasn’t a big problem, the same couldn’t be said for the motorhome. “When first seeing it, I was surprised that it was a pretty good distance down there,” Hessler said. “The trickiest part was just due to the location. We were in a tight curve, but how steep the grade was getting down there, for one, and then, our water levels in the river right now are definitely higher than they typically are.”
It all required specialized equipment—and manpower. Hessler explained, “We utilized swift water rescue personnel to be able to get in the water and assist the tow operations to get the vehicle out.” Did the tow guys have to wear wetsuits? We weren’t able to find out. But after the Class A motorhome plunged into a river, it took nearly three hours to extricate it.
A possible hint as to what may have happened
The fire boss says rescuers have seen others go off the roadway, and weather is usually a causative factor. But there may be a slight hint of what he thinks could have happened. “The biggest thing while traveling up our canyon is just to pay attention to the road. It is a beautiful drive up the canyon and you still need to pay attention to the driving,” Hessler said.
Investigators say the RVer is cooperating with them.
##RVT1164b
That’s a pretty curvy road going up to Estes Park. Couple that with scenery and often, mountain sheep on the road along with deer and elk – can get exciting.
Are there no guardrails in this area?
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 Well, that wasn’t the plan!?! I wonder what the shape of the RV was after it’s unplanned bath? Yikes! Thanks again, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Put your phone down and pay attention to the roadway??
A lot of the story left untold. Did the writer run up against the deadline?
Hi, Primo. Click on the link in the story to 9News for a little more information and more pictures. Have a great day, and stay cool. 😎 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I think it’ll just buff out . . .
…and be on some dealers lot for resale! Buyer(s) Beware!