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
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.