Senior driver crashes SUV into sea following alleged drunken incident on Waiheke Island
This is the frightening moment, a senior citizen drives her car into the sea while reportedly intoxicated.
The SUV crashed through a glass bike shelter and plunged into the ocean at the main passenger ferry terminal on Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
Footage depicts the silver car driving onto the sidewalk, then crashing through the shelter and a fence.
Pieces of glass and metal are sent flying as the vehicle pushes through.
It lands nose-first in the water, bobbing around but starting to fill with water.
A timelapse clip shows the car moving forward before vanishing into the depths.
Astonished bystanders rushed to the edge and threw the driver a life ring.
Luckily, the woman managed to climb out of the vehicle and was then assisted up an emergency ladder.
Photos show bikes and railings twisted by the impact.
A boat equipped with a crane was summoned to retrieve the waterlogged wreck from the ocean floor.
Police Sergeant Ray Matthews said: “The vehicle entered the water and became submerged.
"Fortunately, the sole occupant of the vehicle was able to climb out and was helped by the public to safety.
“Police have issued the 73-year-old woman an infringement notice for excess breath alcohol, allegedly resulting in 290mcg/L [micrograms per litre of breath].”
He added that further charges are also being considered.
Local medics stated that one person was treated at the scene, but the woman’s condition remains unclear.
A spokesperson for Auckland Transport stated that the car was returned to the owner after being recovered.
They added that the damage to the bike shelter was being evaluated and repairs were planned.
The spokesperson said: “A portion of the shelter has been damaged – both glass and structural.
"If we want to replace like for like, we need a full shelter replacement, so we are going to work through with the relevant stakeholders what the replacement or retrofit options may be.
"The replacement of the shelter and railings will be done at a later stage after the area is made safe.
“Our maintenance teams are on standby for AT to decide the replacement option before either removing the shelter or replacing the damaged parts.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
