Bystanders rescue trapped driver after car plunges into Schuylkill River in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A man was rescued Friday after his car plunged into the Schuylkill River near Kelly Drive and began sinking, trapping him inside.
The crash happened in the Fairmount Park section of Philadelphia, near Temple University's boathouse.
Witnesses said a red car entered the river, prompting nearby bystanders to jump into action before first responders arrived.
Libby Peters said she was sitting outside the boathouse filming a documentary when she heard the crash.
"Sitting outside the boathouse and we heard a huge splash, and we looked and there was a red car floating in the river."
Peters, a member of the national rowing team, said she immediately ran to help.
"I got up and ran to the dock and jumped in the water, swam out to the car," she said.
When she reached the vehicle, Peters said she discovered the door was locked and the car was sinking quickly. She and others were able to pull the driver through an open window.
"We were holding him up against the car," Peters said. "The car went under, and just as that happened there were two other swimmers got out there just in time, and they had life jackets."
Rebecca Grzybowski, a rowing coach at Temple, took a boat out to assist the group and help bring them to safety.
"Just the confluence of events that brought all the right people here at the right time with the right skill set to be able to do what needed to be done today is really fortunate," said Grzybowski.
The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police divers later began searching for the vehicle, which sank to the bottom of the river.
The car was pulled from the water shortly before 4 p.m.
Witnesses said they were relieved the incident ended without a more serious outcome.
"Just thank God people were here, and people cared enough and did the right things, and thank God he seems to be on the way to the hospital," Peters said.
The driver's name has not been released. Authorities have not said what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and enter the river.
