Rescue effort daunting

In real life, heroes emerge during crises, and Sunday’s horrific bus crash on Interstate 84 just east of Cabbage Hill, one of the worst crashes in Oregon history, was no exception.

Whether they were from the La Grande Rural Fire Protection District, Union County Search and Rescue, the La Grande Fire Department or other agencies who hurried to the scene, the responders calmly handled an extremely challenging accident scene. Nine people died. Thirty-nine others were injured. Since the bus crashed into a ravine, search and rescue personnel were required to rappel and help extricate the dead and injured.

The bus accident was tragic. Still, it did prove that local emergency responders are ready and trained for the worst possible scenarios. It is reassuring to know that we have brave, well trained people in our community ready to come to the rescue.