A firefighter is being called a "hero" for trying to rescue two boys trapped inside a car that plunged into the Port of Los Angeles.
Police don't know why the car veered off Berth 73 at the Port of Los Angeles on Thursday, but when emergency crews arrived, two adults were swimming on the surface. The car was submerged in about 30 feet of water. The two boys were trapped inside.
Rescue crews tried to save them, but unfortunately one child pulled from the car, a 13-year-old boy, died at a local hospital. Another 8-year-old boy is reported in "grave condition." The adults -- believed to be the boys' parents - were pulled from the water in fair condition.
Almost 100 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel and divers were involved in the rescue operation -- including four LAFD fireboats.
Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino singled out one firefighter as a hero.
In a Facebook post, the councilman wrote, "#LAFD Firefighter Miguel Meza jumped into the water at Berth 73 tonight in San Pedro after a car with a family of four drove into the water. This man is a true #hero in the City of Angels and I am so proud of him!"
Los Angeles Police are still investigating what led to the accident. Initial reports say there may have been a traffic collision. No word on the type of vehicle that went in to the water -- it was still submerged late Thursday.
