Imagine this: You’re 7 years old, in the backseat, when suddenly your car crashes, rolling down an embankment. Your siblings are hurt, and no one is around. What do you do? For one brave kid in Kelso, Washington, the answer was clear: escape the wreck and scale a 15-foot slope to flag down help, potentially saving his 9-year-old sibling in the process.

This incredible event unfolded on October 6, 2024, when a car carrying three children and one adult veered 50 feet off North Pacific Avenue. The vehicle ended up “15 feet down an embankment” with “scattered rocks across the road of travel,” as stated in the Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue news release. The crash required “heavy extrication” to rescue the trapped passengers.

Sadly, the adult driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Amidst the chaos, the 7-year-old climbed out of the wrecked car, climbed the embankment, and flagged down a passing motorist, who called 911. Fire crews from Cowlitz, the Longview Fire Department, and Cowlitz County District 6 responded quickly, using hydraulic tools to cut two children out of the car.

The 9-year-old, critically injured in the crash, was flown to OHSU Hospital in Portland, Oregon, for treatment. The 7-year-old and a 2-year-old sibling were transported to PeaceHealth St. John’s Medical Center with minor injuries. The cause of the accident remains unclear, and Washington State Patrol is investigating.

First responders had to tackle a difficult rescue but acted swiftly and efficiently. Two fire engines, three medic units, and a ladder truck were deployed, alongside three Chief Officers. Their teamwork, combined with the heroism of the 7-year-old, helped prevent an even greater tragedy.

In a moment of unimaginable fear, this young hero’s quick thinking and bravery likely saved his sibling’s life. The child’s courageous actions were a beacon of hope in an otherwise tragic situation.