Muhammad Aman Ullah
Published: September 6, 2026
Car Crashes Into Rideau River in Ottawa
Two people were safely rescued after a vehicle plunged into the Rideau River in Ottawa, with several bystanders risking their own safety to help those trapped in the water.
The incident happened near Riverside Drive and Walkley Road, where a vehicle reportedly lost control, left the roadway and went down an embankment before entering the river.
People who witnessed the crash quickly responded and entered the water to help the occupants escape from the vehicle.
Emergency Crews Respond to the Scene
According to Ottawa emergency medical services, the incident occurred at approximately 5:50 a.m.
Emergency crews were dispatched after receiving reports that a vehicle had entered the water. By the time first responders arrived, both occupants had managed to get out of the vehicle and reach the shoreline with assistance.
Paramedics assessed both people at the scene. Neither required further medical treatment, and both were released from the scene.
Vehicle Lost Control and Plunged Into the River
Leslie Tomlinson, who was in the area for an early-morning run, said she was close to the scene when she suddenly heard the sound of brakes and a vehicle skidding.
According to Tomlinson, the vehicle slid through the intersection, struck a utility pole and then went down the slope beside the road before entering the water.
She said the situation was initially difficult to understand, but other people quickly arrived and began looking for ways to help.
Woman Jumps Into the Water to Help
Shortly after the crash, a woman came out of a nearby home and called 911.
At the same time, another woman who had been travelling in a vehicle behind the car involved in the crash stopped and entered the water to assist.
Tomlinson said the woman first helped the driver get out of the vehicle. She then moved toward the other side of the car after hearing that the passenger could not swim.
With the vehicle sinking, the passenger was in a particularly dangerous situation and needed immediate assistance.
Tomlinson then decided to enter the water herself.
Former Lifeguard Helps Rescue Passenger
Tomlinson is a former lifeguard and had experience dealing with emergencies involving water.
When she reached the vehicle, much of it had already been submerged, while the passenger was holding onto the car.
Tomlinson said she gave the passenger clear instructions not to grab onto her or wrap his arms around her, as doing so could have put both people at risk of drowning.
Instead, she instructed the passenger to lie on his back and supported his head while moving him toward the shoreline.
The two adopted that position after the vehicle became fully submerged, allowing Tomlinson to help guide the passenger through the water and bring him safely to shore.
Rescue Was a Team Effort
After the incident, Tomlinson emphasized that the rescue was not the work of one person alone.
She praised the woman who stopped her vehicle and entered the water to help the driver, as well as the other people who responded quickly after witnessing the crash.
Tomlinson described the rescue as a collective effort in which several people stepped forward despite the dangerous circumstances.
She said the situation was highly unusual, but people focused on helping rather than simply standing by.
Rescuing a Non-Swimmer Can Be Dangerous
Tomlinson also highlighted the risks involved when trying to rescue someone who cannot swim.
A person struggling in the water may panic and grab onto the person attempting to help them. This can make the situation dangerous for both individuals.
For that reason, she gave the passenger specific instructions and used a controlled approach to bring him safely toward the shore.
Her experience as a former lifeguard played an important role in managing the rescue.
Message to Children About Learning to Swim
Tomlinson said she went to school later that day for her teaching duties and shared the experience with her students.
She said the incident reinforced the importance of learning basic swimming skills.
According to Tomlinson, the driver was not a strong swimmer but was able to keep his head above water. The passenger, however, could not swim and did not know what to do in such an emergency.
She said the incident serves as a reminder that everyone should have at least basic swimming skills because people never know when they may unexpectedly find themselves in a dangerous situation involving water.
Emergency Boats Arrive at the Scene
Emergency crews also responded to the crash as the rescue operation continued.
Around 6 a.m., Ottawa Fire Services boats were operating in the Rideau River while other emergency vehicles and personnel were present near the scene.
A long metal utility pole was also visible near the roadway following the crash.
Police and other emergency personnel remained in the area while the incident was being handled.
Vehicle Recovered From the Rideau River
Police later confirmed that the vehicle had been removed from the Rideau River.
Although the car sustained significant damage after plunging into the water, both occupants survived after receiving timely assistance from people at the scene.
The incident has highlighted how quick action by members of the public can make a critical difference during an emergency.
It also underscored the importance of basic swimming ability and knowing how to respond safely when someone is struggling in the water.
