A harrowing accident at the Miami River Point marina nearly ended in tragedy when a city garbage collection truck plunged into the water, trapping two women inside.
The incident, caught on security cameras and widely shared on social media, shocked local residents. However, what could have been a disaster was averted thanks to the swift action of a Cuban man: Rafael Valdez, who jumped into the canal without hesitation to rescue them.
A Fast-Moving Accident and an Even Quicker Response
The official vehicle lost control near the intersection of 18th Street and 24th Avenue Northwest for reasons that remain unknown. According to earlier reports by Telemundo 51, the truck "broke through a fence and struck a boat docked at a pier" before plunging into the water.
Surveillance footage shows the truck crashing into a tree, hitting a moored vessel, and finally sinking in the canal. Witnesses rushed to the scene drawn by the noise, yet only one bystander took immediate action.
"It went through the fence, and like everyone else, I went to look, but I saw that nobody was doing anything... I heard the lady calling for help, so that's when I went down," Rafael Valdez recounted to Telemundo 51.
The Daring Dive and a Rescue Under Pressure
Valdez understood the danger was real; this was no ordinary scene. In the water were remnants of a damaged boat, and time was against him.
"I knew something could happen to me because there was a broken boat... I entered cautiously," he explained.
Inside the truck were two employees from the Department of Solid Waste. The airbags had deployed upon impact, preventing the occupants from escaping on their own.
"The window was already broken, but the airbags were covering it, and they couldn't get out," he detailed.
That's when Rafael asked for a knife. He cut through the airbags, creating enough space to pull them out one by one.
"I asked for a knife, cut the airbags, and got them out... I was tying them up when a neighbor from the marina came down and helped with a rope," he added.
Rescue teams and divers arrived shortly after, as witnesses recorded the truck being pulled from the water.
Signs of Heroism
Rafael's brave act was not without injury. During the rescue, he sustained a deep wound to his leg from a rail pipe, requiring 18 stitches.
"The wound was from the pipe... the infection is the worst part," he explained. The scar, he insists, serves as a reminder of an action he does not regret.
Regarding the rescued women, Valdez noted they were in shock. "Very scared... one woman had no expression," he recalled.
Fortunately, both women emerged physically unscathed, though clearly traumatized by the ordeal.
Social Media Buzz and a Name: Rafael
The heroism of Rafael did not go unnoticed. Instagram account Only in Dade shared a video of the accident, describing it as a "terrifying marina accident captured on camera: a truck barrels over a fence, a tree, and a parked boat before submerging in the canal, with driver and passenger rescued by a heroic good Samaritan."
Rafael's name began circulating in comments praising him as "the best Captain of Miami," with numerous users expressing admiration and gratitude.
Some associate him with a local boat rental company (@ashaba.rentboat), though this connection has not been confirmed by authorities.
"The best, my uncle!" one user exclaimed. Another simply applauded: "Long live Rafael, the best Captain of Miami."
Unanswered Questions
Despite the widespread coverage and successful rescue, many questions remain. Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the accident: Was it mechanical failure? Human error? Negligence regarding safety measures?
It also remains unclear whether the marina had adequate barriers to prevent a vehicle from easily breaching its perimeter and ending up in the water.
What is certain for now is that without Rafael Valdez's heroic reaction, the outcome could have been tragic.
Key Questions About the Miami River Accident
What caused the Miami River Point accident?
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the accident. Possible factors include mechanical failure, human error, or inadequate safety measures.
How were the women trapped in the truck rescued?
Rafael Valdez used a knife to cut through the airbags blocking the window, allowing him to pull the women to safety.
What injuries did Rafael Valdez sustain during the rescue?
Rafael suffered a deep leg wound from a rail pipe, which required 18 stitches and posed a risk of infection.