Two people escaped serious harm after their SUV plunged into the Rideau River near Mooney’s Bay Friday morning, with bystanders racing to their aid and pulling them from the water. Ottawa emergency responders were on the scene early in the day as rescuers assisted the occupants and monitored the area.
The incident occurred near Mooney’s Bay, with witnesses reporting that the two occupants managed to swim to shore after the vehicle left the roadway and ended up in the river. Paramedics treated the pair at the scene and released them without further immediate medical attention.
Initial responders arrived to manage the water hazard and coordinate rescue efforts. A broader emergency response followed as police directed traffic and investigators assessed the vehicle’s path into the water. The incident prompted a search for the vehicle in the Rideau River for a short period, though the occupants were located and accounted for.
Photos accompanying the report show a heavy emergency presence at the scene, including multiple vehicles parked at a Riverside Drive and Walkley Road intersection area, where authorities were working to assess damage and secure the area. The scene underscored the importance of basic swimming skills, as one woman who helped described the quick actions of bystanders in aiding the occupants.
Authorities did not indicate any charges or further investigations at this early stage, focusing instead on safe extraction, medical checkups, and scene management. The investigation will likely continue to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash and whether road conditions or other factors contributed to the vehicle entering the water.
