[06-21-2024] San Diego County, CA – Elderly Driver Hospitalized After Falling Into Water Following Two-Vehicle Crash Along Mission Bay Drive

An elderly driver was hospitalized after falling into the water following a two-vehicle crash in San Diego on Friday morning, June 21, 2024.

According to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, the accident happened at about 11:34 a.m. near the intersection of Mission Bay Drive and Bluffside Avenue.

Initial reports stated that a woman in her 70s was driving along Mission Bay Drive going south on a white Honda when she crashed into the car in front of her. The elderly driver lost control of her vehicle, struck metal poles nearby, and slammed through a fence. 

After that, the Honda flipped over and landed roof first down the Rose Creek canal. Three good Samaritans, all of which were men, reportedly rushed to the now-submerged vehicle to help the elderly woman. She was said to be unconscious inside her car at this point. 

The three men managed to rescue the victim before she completely drowned. She was dragged to the west side of the creek, where firefighters administered on-scene treatment before taking her to the hospital. Her current status was not disclosed.

The driver of the other vehicle appeared to be uninjured in the initial collision. None of the parties involved have been identified yet.

No further information was immediately available. The authorities are still investigating the incident.

Police work is underway.