Michigan Line east of Telfer Rd. in Sarnia. September 2014. (photo from google maps)Michigan Line east of Telfer Rd. in Sarnia. September 2014. (photo from google maps)
Sarnia

Man escapes sinking vehicle

A man had to scramble out of his sinking vehicle and climb onto the roof after hitting an animal and careening into the water near Cull Drain Friday night.

Sarnia police say the 45-year-old was headed east on Michigan Line east of Telfer Road at around 10 p.m. when the collision occurred and he lost control.

The car went down the embankment into the water just before the bridge over Cull Drain.

Constable John Sottosanti said the man briefly lost consciousness and woke up to find water pouring into his four-door Nissan.

He couldn't push the door open, so he climbed out the window and onto the roof.

"At this point, the water was running fairly heavy and the water level was actually up to his knees as he stood on the roof. He was able to call 9-1-1 with his cell phone at which time Sarnia police, fire and Lambton paramedics attended," said Sottosanti. "Sarnia Fire was able to retrieve the driver from the vehicle, and he was then taken to hospital for observation for no serious injuries."

Constable Sottosanti said the man may well be alive because he was able to keep his wits about him.

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