Car that went through ice pulled from Rideau River
A car that crashed through ice in Manotick, Ont. last weekend has been removed from the Rideau River.
The incident got widespread attention after the car's driver took a selfie while standing on the submerged vehicle. Neighbours then used a kayak and a rope to help her to safety.
The car was earlier seen speeding along the river at speeds nearing 120 kilometres per hour.
On Friday, emergency crews wrapped straps around the vehicle and hooked it up to a crane to be pulled.
At first the car wouldn't budge, but crews cut a strip in the ice from the car to the shore using a chainsaw. That loosened things up and they pulled the car out.
"It's a very precarious situation. We always talk about no ice is safe ice, and this is a clear example of that," Ottawa Police Const. T.J. Jellineck said.
Officers from the Ottawa Police Marine, Dive and Trails Unit, the Ottawa Fire Water Rescue Unit and Paramedic Marine Unit participated in the effort.
Some of the neighbours who used a kayak to rescue the driver from the submerged vehicle were out again on Friday to watch crews remove the car from the ice.
"It was pretty cool to see them get it out, and do it so smoothly," said Zachary King.
"It took them a couple hours but I think obviously trying to plan to make sure everyone’s safety is paramount. I didn’t think they were going to get it out. They proved me wrong, that's for sure."
Police are reminding people that although the driver wasn't hurt, the situation could have been much worse.
"Given the dangers that were occurred during this event, realistically we could be removing a body as well as this vehicle," said Jellinek. "So we have to remind people, no ice is safe ice. This here was an incredibly dangerous situation. It turned out alright for the person involved, but many times it doesn’t turn out that way and we’re doing a body recovery instead of a vehicle recovery."
The driver has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Most of the city is evacuating': Gridlock on Alberta highway after evacuation order in Fort McMurray
Four Fort McMurray neighbourhoods were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday as a wildfire gets closer to the city.
Sask. police seize 1.5M pieces of evidence, lay 60 more charges in child exploitation case
Saskatchewan RCMP have revealed that a historic sexual assault investigation has led to the discovery of alleged crimes against children dating back to 2005.
'Inappropriate' behaviour shuts down Dublin to New York City portal
Less than a week after two public sculptures featuring a livestream between Dublin, Ireland, and New York City debuted, 'inappropriate behaviour' in real-time interactions between people in the two cities has prompted a temporary shutdown.
Oilers starting Calvin Pickard in goal for Game 4 vs. Canucks
The Edmonton Oilers will start Calvin Pickard in net Tuesday for Game 4 of their playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks.
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker rails against Pride month, working women in commencement speech
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker railed against Pride month, working women, President Biden's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and abortion during a commencement address at Benedictine College last weekend.
King Charles III unveils his first official portrait since his coronation
King Charles III has unveiled the first portrait of the monarch completed since he assumed the throne, a vivid image that depicts him in the bright red uniform of the Welsh Guards against a background of similar hues.
Full List Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
Alberta announces the 4 health agencies that will replace AHS later this year
The province has released more information on its plan to break up Alberta Health Services and replace it with four sector-based health agencies.
Biden administration moving ahead on US$1 billion arms package for Israel, AP sources say
The Biden administration has told key lawmakers it is sending a new package of more than US$1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel, two congressional aides said Tuesday.