5 P.M. UPDATE
A man was saved by Columbus police and firefighters after his vehicle went into the water at Mill Race Park at 9:18 a.m. Monday.
Columbus police said first responders were sent to a “personal-injury accident” near Carl Miske Drive and Indianapolis Road after a caller reported a vehicle had gone into the water behind Mill Race Center.
CPD officers arrived and were directed to the silver Ford Taurus that was partially submerged in a pond behind the center, and could see the driver moving inside of the vehicle, said Lt. Skylar Berry, Columbus Police Department spokesman. Quick acting CPD Officer Jacob Driver and CFD Firefighter Seth Burton went into the water to try to rescue the driver. They were able to get help from the other first responders on shore and using ropes, pulled the vehicle toward the bank while it was still floating. They then broke the window and got the driver out of the water to EMS personnel nearby.
Based on the accident investigation, it appears the 31-year-old driver had suffered a medical issue that caused his car to leave the road and go into the pond. He was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our first responders! They all came together to act quickly and save a life, the most important thing we can do in public safety”, said CPD Chief Steve Norman. “I also want to thank the callers that didn’t hesitate, allowing help to get there quickly.”
The Columbus Police Department, Columbus Fire Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Regional Hospital Ambulance, and Columbus Township Fire Department all responded to the scene.
9:40 A.M. UPDATE
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus police, firefighters and dive team members are at the scene of a passenger car that went into the East Fork White River behind Mill Race Center at about 9:15 a.m.
Columbus Police Department spokesman Lt. Skylar Berry said the driver was successfully brought out of the water and is being treated. The car is partially submerged in the river.
Columbus Fire Department spokesman Capt. Mike Wilson said the occupant of the vehicle was able to walk to the ambulance after being rescued.
First responders were called about the accident and one Columbus police officer and one Columbus firefighter, who was attached to a tether, went out to the vehicle and floated it back toward shore in an area where the water was about 6 feet deep, said Wilson. The car then stopped closer to the shore where the male driver was rescued.
This story will be updated.
ORIGINAL STORY
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus police, firefighters and dive team members are at the scene of a vehicle that went into the East Fork White River behind Mill Race Center at about 9:15 a.m.
Columbus Police Department spokesman Lt. Skylar Berry said the driver was successfully brought out of the water and is being treated. The car is partially submerged in the river.
This story will be updated.
