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Fire chief credited with heroic rescue after car plunges into Ottawa River

OTTAWA — A sector chief with Ottawa Fire Services is being credited with a heroic rescue after a vehicle plunged into the Ottawa River.

Just after midnight the fire service says it was alerted by Ottawa police about a vehicle having driven into the river.

The female driver was trapped, but was able to stay on the phone with police as her vehicle began filling with water.

The fire service say the chief could still see the headlights of the vehicle when he arrived on scene, and based on information he was getting from police about the woman's condition was able to devise a rescue plan.

The service says he grabbed a personal flotation device and entered the river where he was able to break the rear window of the vehicle and pull the woman out.

Both made it safely back to shore where emergency services personnel were waiting to offer further assistance. 

No names were released.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21, 2020.

The Canadian Press


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