In a heart-pounding emergency response that played out in Montreal's Rivière des Prairies on Tuesday, a 73-year-old man narrowly escaped tragedy when his vehicle became completely submerged in the chilly waters. The dramatic rescue operation required firefighters to employ specialized water rescue techniques to reach the trapped senior citizen.
The emergency began around 1:30 PM when the alert driver found himself in a perilous situation, his vehicle rapidly taking on water. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, the man managed to place a crucial 911 call before his car sank beneath the surface, providing emergency dispatchers with his exact location.
Montreal firefighters responded with exceptional speed, arriving at the scene to find the vehicle already fully submerged. "The car was completely underwater when we got there," confirmed a spokesperson for the Montreal fire department. "Our teams immediately deployed water rescue procedures."
Specialized Rescue Operation
The rescue team, trained specifically for water emergencies, entered the river and successfully extracted the man from his vehicle. Despite the traumatic experience and exposure to cold water, the senior emerged from the ordeal with only minor injuries.
Paramedics on scene provided immediate medical attention, and the 73-year-old was transported to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure. Medical professionals confirmed he was in stable condition following the harrowing incident.
Community Response and Safety Reminders
Local residents expressed both shock and relief at the successful outcome. "It's incredible that he managed to call for help before the car went under completely," remarked one witness. "The firefighters were true heroes today."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle safety near waterways, particularly during transitional weather periods when road conditions can change rapidly. Emergency officials emphasize that remaining calm and immediately contacting 911 can make the critical difference in water-related vehicle emergencies.
The Montreal police have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the vehicle entering the river, though early indications suggest it may have been an accidental occurrence.
