Driver Escapes After Car Crashes Into River in Lisbon, Maine

A driver is recovering after their vehicle went off the road and ended up partially in the Sabattus River Saturday afternoon.

According to Lisbon fire officials, crews were called to the scene shortly after noon when a vehicle left the roadway, went over an embankment, and broke through the ice along the river. The car came to rest partially in the water.

The driver was the only person inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. Officials say the driver was able to get out of the vehicle on their own before emergency crews arrived, WGME reported.

Because the vehicle had broken through the ice, firefighters responding to the scene wore ice water rescue suits while working near the river. Crews secured the area and began the process of safely removing the vehicle from the water.

The driver was taken to a nearby hospital and is expected to be okay. Authorities say the injuries reported were minor.

Once the vehicle was removed from the river, the scene remained active while crews ensured the area was safe. Officials say the Maine Department of Environmental Protection is expected to assess the area to determine whether there are any environmental concerns related to the crash.

It was not immediately clear what caused the driver to leave the roadway. Officials have not released additional information about the driver.

Emergency crews cleared the scene later in the afternoon after the vehicle was removed and the area was secured.