A local news reporter has been dubbed a hero after helping to save the life of a stranded truck driver in the throes of Hurricane Harvey.
Branid Smith was in the field reporting on the devastating effects of the Category 4 storm and torrential rain in Houston, Texas, for KHOU when her cameraman spotted a truck driver in distress.
You can watch her quick thinking in action in the KHOU clip below:
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The driver, identified simply as Robert, was stuck in the cab and the water levels were rising, putting him at risk of drowning.
Narrating the dangerous scene as she tried to begin a rescue operation, Brandi said:
The lights are going on this truck and the windshield wipers are going and as we get a little closer, it does look like there is someone inside… There is movement inside of this truck.
‘Sir, are you OK? Can you get to the top of your vehicle? Can you get to the top of your truck? Do not climb into the water.’
Moments later, a patrol car towing a boat sped past and Brandi left her post to flag it down and ask for the passenger and driver’s help.
The continuing broadcast showed the rescue mission underway, and the truck driver being pulled out of the trapped 18-wheeler.
Brandi has since taken to Twitter to confirm Robert’s, the KHOU crew’s and her own safety:
Brandi Smith was still reporting after the KHOU studio had been completely flooded and her colleagues evacuated. Estimates state 30,000 people will need to be placed in shelters.
There are five suspected fatalities in connection with the carnage caused by Hurricane Harvey and the ever-rising floodwaters.
The citywide rescue missions are ongoing.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.