Man stranded atop car after crashing into frigid river far from shore, NH cops say
A car plunged into an ice-cold New Hampshire river, leaving the driver stranded on the roof and prompting a large rescue operation, officials said.
The incident began Jan. 25 when a man in Plainfield crashed his car into the Connecticut River, according to statements from the Lebanon and Hanover fire departments.
Following the crash, the driver climbed atop the partially submerged vehicle, which was floating about 300 feet from shore, officials said.
A multi-agency rescue effort, including individuals from seven nearby fire departments, was mounted around 6:30 p.m. amid snowy conditions and near-freezing temperatures, photos and videos show.
Fire officials paddled an inflatable boat to the car and shuttled the driver safely back to shore.
Once on land, the driver refused medical treatment and rescuers left the scene around 8 p.m., officials said.
It’s not clear what caused the vehicle to crash into the river.
The Lebanon Fire Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on Jan. 26.