Car Rolls Into Pond, Traps Driver in St. Paul

Twin Cities Fire Wire Photo

This story was updated on Friday morning.

April 28 – Emergency crews worked to free an occupant who was trapped after his car rolled into a retaining pond along Interstate 280 in St. Paul on Thursday evening.

St. Paul fire crews were called to Interstate 280 at Energy Park Drive for a call that rolled over into a pond at 9:20 p.m. As fire crews went enroute, they were advised that the driver was trapped.

Engine 23 arrived to find the vehicle on its roof in several feet of water along the exit ramp from Northbound 280 onto Energy Park Drive. Police officers from St. Paul, the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Patrol were on scene as well and, at this time, it is unknown who freed the driver.

Firefighters packaged the man and he was transported by Medic 14 to an area hospital in serious condition. Other crews checked the water, which was waist deep in some areas, for any other occupants. Officers searched the surrounding areas as well.

Using Squad 2’s winch, the vehicle was rolled on its wheels and firefighters checked the water and vehicle for additional occupants.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the 32-year-old driver exited 280 for Energy Park Drive “at highway speeds” and rolled into the pond when he over corrected.

Assignment: Engine 23, Ladder 20, Squad 2, Medic 14, Chief 1