Mother and Toddler Escape Sinking Car After Crash Into Vermont River

A mother and her 2-year-old son are safe after escaping a sinking car following a crash into a Vermont river.

According to first responders in Hartford, the crash happened Monday near Quechee Main Street and Mill Run Condominiums. Emergency crews were called around 12:45 p.m. after reports that a car had gone into the Ottauquechee River and was floating downstream.

By the time an ambulance arrived just minutes later, the 26-year-old driver and her young son had already made it safely to the riverbank.

Officials say the toddler had been strapped into a car seat in the back seat when the crash happened. Investigators say the mother acted quickly, unbuckling her son and cutting through the deployed driver’s side airbag so they could get out through a window. She then swam to shore with him.

Both were taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, for evaluation. Authorities said neither appeared to suffer serious injuries.

Rescue swimmers later entered the river to make sure no one else was inside the vehicle. Once the scene was cleared, the car was pulled from the water.

Quechee Main Street was temporarily closed during the emergency response. Police are still investigating what caused the crash.

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