Elderly man rescued after car is swept down river

Tue, 29 Nov 2011

An elderly driver has been rescued after their car was swept down a swollen river in St Johns.

The Citroen Picasso was trying to cross the water splash on the Brack-a-Broom Road this afternoon.

It was caught by the fast-flowing water and carried 3/4 mile down stream, almost reaching the Ballaleece Bridge.

The man inside had a mobile phone with him and managed to call the emergency services.

A Fire and Rescue team from Peel were the first to reach the car, which was stuck in the middle of the quickly-rising River Neb.

After securing the vehicle, they were able to help the man to the bank.

He was cold and wet but otherwise unharmed and was allowed to go home with his son after being checked over by paramedics.