Woman hospitalized as car crashes into ditch filled with frigid water, Sacramento fire say
A woman was hospitalized Friday morning after her car careered off a Natomas freeway into a ditch and became submerged, according to the Sacramento Fire Department.
Firefighters were called to Elverta Road and Highway 99 just after 7:10 a.m., who called 911 screaming, according to California Highway Patrol incident logs. According to the CHP, the woman’s vehicle struck a pole before landing in the ditch.
Once firefighters arrived, they helped rescue the motorist, who had been stuck in the vehicle for about 20 minutes, said Capt. Justin Sylvia, a spokesman for the Sacramento Fire Department.
The woman only complained of back pain, Sylvia said, but firefighters were concerned about her prolonged exposure to the cold water.
SMUD crews were also called to repair a downed power line.
