Elderly Driver Rescued From Car Submerged in New York Reservoir

A dramatic rescue unfolded along the banks of a Hudson Valley water reservoir after a 76-year-old woman's car became partially submerged in the water.

According to the Carmel Police Department Facebook page, they were called to respond to a report of a vehicle that was stuck in the water at the West Branch Reservoir in Putnam County, New York on Tuesday.

Car Partially Submerged in New York Reservoir

Police said that at approximately noontime on Tuesday, December 3rd a call came into Putnam County 911 that reported a vehicle had driven into the waters of the West Branch Reservoir off of Washington Road in Carmel, New York, and was partially submerged. As 911 dispatched local first responders to the scene, they were additionally informed that the driver of the partially submerged vehicle was stuck inside and was unable to exit the car.

First Responders Rescue Elderly Driver in Carmel, NY

Multiple agencies rushed to the scene including the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department, Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department’s Dive Team, EMS units, and the Carmel Police Department (CPD) to attempt to rescue the driver.

As CPD officers Lash and Palmiero arrived on the scene they could see the partially submerged vehicle on the banks of the reservoir and quickly entered the body of water to try and get the driver out. Thankfully, officers were able to safely remove the driver, a 76-year-old female resident of Mahopac, New York from the vehicle.

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Police didn't identify the driver of the vehicle or say how it wound up in the reservoir but they did say that the driver was uninjured. She was transported to a local hospital as a safety precaution for a medical evaluation.

Hazards to the Reservoir?

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection was also called to the scene to assess any potential hazards to the reservoir water after having the vehicle stuck in it for a while. The DEP hasn't released any information as to whether or not any harm was done to the water that is part of the New York City water supply system.

This is an active investigation as when more information becomes available we will update this article.