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
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.