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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.