Driver rescued after car plunges over embankment near Ridley Park police station
RIDLEY PARK, Pa. (WPVI) -- A man in his 60s was rescued after his car went over an embankment and dangled above a creek following a crash Thursday morning on Chester Pike, according to Ridley Park police.
The crash happened just before 8 a.m. in front of the Ridley Park Police Department on Chester Pike.
Police said the driver was traveling on Chester Pike when he swerved to avoid another vehicle. The car crashed through a concrete embankment and fencing before going over the edge above Little Crum Creek.
Video from Chopper 6 showed a gold sedan hanging over the ledge as emergency crews worked to rescue the occupants. Responders used a ladder to reach the vehicle and remove the driver.
Ridley Park Police Chief William Thomas said there were two people inside the car.
"There were two passengers in the car, one driver, one passenger. One got out, one was entrapped," Thomas said.
Police said the passenger, identified as the driver's aide, was able to exit the vehicle. Crews then removed the passenger-side door to reach the driver, who was trapped inside.
"They were able to get both out without any problems. Someone's knees were hurt, so no major injuries," Thomas said.
The driver's daughter, Leysh Reese, arrived at the scene while emergency crews were working to free her father.
"The way he was wedged, it took a little bit more work. Then he came out, he waved to me. He's doing ok and I'm just happy my dad is alive," Reese said.
The driver was taken to Penn Presbyterian Hospital for evaluation after being removed from the wreckage. Following the rescue, crews used a crane to remove the vehicle from the embankment.
Reese said she was thankful her father survived the crash.
"I witnessed God. That's it. God had my dad," she said.
The crash remains under investigation. Police said they are reviewing surveillance video to determine exactly what happened and whether speed was a factor.
