Driver Killed After Vehicle Submerges Into Lake

Cars are meant to be on the road. They cannot operate on water. They do not float. Instead, they sink, and once they submerge, occupants of the vehicle will drown unless they are able to exit quickly.

Sadly, this recently happened in Florida. A crash caused a vehicle to become submerged in a lake, causing the driver to drown. The fatal accident occurred on the afternoon of April 15 in Kissimmee.

A Chrysler Pacifica minivan was parked in a spot at Bloom and Front streets, near the Celebration Town Center. The driver began to back out of the parking space but he then moved forward.

The driver then lost control for unknown reasons. The Chrysler swerved off the road and hit a curb and a fence. The vehicle then plunged into a lake, where it became submerged.

The Orlando Fire Department dive team was able to locate the vehicle. They recovered the driver from the minivan, but he died at the accident scene. He was identified as a 71-year-old man from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Bloom Street was blocked in both directions as police investigated the crash. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

What to Do When a Vehicle Submerges in Water

It can be a scary situation when a vehicle ends up in a body of water. You need to act quickly, as your actions in the first 30 to 60 seconds can mean the difference between escape and entrapment. Here’s what you need to do to survive such a crash:

• Stay calm and act fast. Focus on escape, not calling for help yet. 911 can wait until you’re out.
• Unbuckle your seatbelt. Start with yourself, then assist children and other passengers. Seatbelts can jam, so cut it if needed. Having a seatbelt cutter in the glovebox helps.
• Open or break a window. Power windows may work for about a minute, so try them right away. If power fails, break a side window. Use your feet, a headrest, or a window-breaking tool.
• Escape through the window. Don’t try to open the door, as it’s almost impossible to do so due to water pressure. Escape headfirst through the window.
• Swim to safety. Push off the car, swim up to the surface, and get as far away from the vehicle as possible.

Contact Us Today

A loss of control of a vehicle can cause various outcomes. A vehicle can crash, collide with an object, or go into a body of water.

Collisions into bodies of water often lead to drownings and other fatalities. If you have been involved in such a crash, get the help you need from the Kissimmee auto accident lawyers at Draper Law Office. We will work to help you get physical and financial recovery for all your damages. Schedule a consultation with our office today by calling (407) 743-6628 or filling out the online form.

Source:

yahoo.com/news/fatal-osceola-county-crash-ends-222649222.html