When a turning maneuver went wrong, two women ended up in their car in the Rhine. The accident triggers a large-scale operation by the fire brigade.
Düsseldorf (dpa/lnw) - Two young women were able to save themselves in Düsseldorf at the last moment from their car that was sinking in the Rhine. A police spokesman said that there had apparently been a failed turning maneuver in a parking lot on Friday evening.
According to initial findings, the 23-year-old driver accidentally hit the wrong pedal. The car drove straight from the parking lot into the Rhine. The driver and her 24-year-old passenger were able to free themselves from the car and swim to shore.
The car sank completely in the Rhine and could no longer be seen when the fire brigade arrived. Therefore, the scene of the accident was secured with the support of the water police and the DRK water rescue service, as the fire brigade announced on Saturday. The crew of a fire engine was able to locate the car near the Theodor-Heuss Bridge. Due to the strong current of the Rhine, the vehicle had to be secured by a professional diver before it could be pulled out of the Rhine with a cable winch and parked safely.
After four hours, the operation ended with more than 40 workers.
