Neighbours use kayak to rescue driver after car crashes through ice in Manotick, Ont.
Residents came to the rescue of the driver of a vehicle that crashed through the ice of the Rideau River in Ottawa's south end, using kayaks to rescue her from the sinking vehicle.
Emergency crews responded to the incident on the Rideau River in the area of Old Mill Way, near White Horse Park, in Manotick at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Witnesses tell CTV News Ottawa a car driving on the frozen river went through the ice and into the cold water late Sunday afternoon.
A photo showed the driver standing on the vehicle as it sank into the water.
Residents living along the Rideau River came to the rescue of the driver, using a kayak to safely transport them from the hole in the ice to the shore.
Video sent to Newstalk 580 CFRA's The Morning Rush with Bill Carroll shows the driver grabbing onto a kayak, and residents using a rope to bring her to safety.
Zachary King was there when it happened.
"So luckily one of my other neighbours, Rob Crober, had a rope that he had got, so he ran back to his place to grab one of his kayaks off his kayak rack. And I was untangling the rope, he got back, we tied the rope to the kayak and then just got it out to here," he told CTV News Ottawa.
"It’s like everything worked out perfectly. Got her on the kayak, pulled her in. And as soon as we pulled her in, the car went under. Fully."
What hasn't been explained is this image. The driver appears to be taking a picture of herself on the car, just before it's fully submerged and before she's out of danger.
Paramedics say the female driver of the vehicle declined treatment at the scene.
In a statement Sunday evening, Ottawa police said officers responded to the area at approximately 4:30 p.m. to investigate a vehicle that had partially submerged through the ice.
Police say the driver has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code of Canada.
"The vehicle is still in the river and could pose as a hazard for curious onlookers venturing out on the ice," said police in a statement.
Video shared with CTV News Ottawa by Sacha Gera showed a yellow vehicle driving on the Rideau River shortly before breaking through the ice.
Sacha Gera said his kids were outside playing when the driver rushed in.
"You don’t expect your kids to have to watch out for cars zipping down on the frozen river," Gera said. "Essentially, the kids were just playing out on the backyard hockey rink. And while they were skating they saw this yellow Subaru kind of zipping down the river and they were caught off by surprise."
The Ottawa Police marine dive team tweeted a vehicle went through the ice in the south end.
"Thankfully no injuries and an amazing job by local residents saving the driver by using a kayak and quick safe thinking," said police.
"Another reminder that 'No Ice Is Safe Ice. Please use extreme caution this winter season."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.