Prineville. Ore. – Motorists travelling on O’Neil Highway west of Prineville rescued a 16-year-old driver Monday morning from a submerged car upside down in an irrigation canal, according to Oregon State Police.
A 16-year-old female driver from Redmond, was travelling east on State Highway 370 about 6 miles wet of Prineville when her drifted off the road and onto the shoulder. The driver attempted to bring her vehicle back on to the road, but lost control.
The car crossed both lanes, rolled over after it left the highway and landed upside down in about 18 inches of water, according to OSP.
Two motorists stopped and assisted the young woman, using a knife to cut her free from the seat belt. She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
The driver’s father, who OSP identifies as Denis Fast, credited the quick actions of the motorists with saving his daughter from drowning.
