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Caught on Camera: Driver Rescued Through Sunroof of Sinking Car in New York

In Evans Mills, New York, a trooper broke the sunroof of a submerged Ford Explorer to help rescue its trapped driver.
Entry118 Date Time1 min MechanicCarCody Team
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A New York State Police body-camera video shows a rescue after a 2010 Ford Explorer entered a pond in Evans Mills on May 7, 2022. When attempts to reach the driver through other windows failed, Trooper Christopher J. Hardy broke the sunroof with a steel pole and helped pull her out.

What happened in Evans Mills

FOX 5 New York reported that the crash happened in Evans Mills, a village in Jefferson County, New York. The driver was identified as Joanne Tanner, 61, of Evans Mills. Her Explorer left the road, broke through a guidewire and a six-foot chain-link fence, and entered a pond. The report attributes these details to a New York State Police release.

How rescuers reached the driver

Assistant Fire Chief John Russel and Trooper Christopher J. Hardy swam to the vehicle. Tanner was submerged up to her shoulders and unable to move. After attempts to reach her through other windows, the front compartment continued filling with water. Hardy climbed onto the Explorer and broke its sunroof with a steel pole so the rescuers could pull her out.

FOX 5 quoted the police release saying Hardy “could see the driver’s hair floating to the glass of the sunroof.” The report says Tanner was conscious and alert after being held underwater for about 20 seconds.

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What happened after the rescue

Tanner was treated at Samaritan Medical Centre for hypothermia and minor lacerations, then released. FOX 5 reported that she was arrested after her release on charges of driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, described in the report as an E-felony, and speeding. The available reporting does not establish a conviction or later case outcome.

When the video was published

The rescue occurred on May 7, 2022. Scroll published its titled video report on May 19, 2022; that publication date is not the date of the crash.

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Read FOX 5 New York’s report on the rescue.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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