Cyclists rescue three from car stranded in ford

Cyclists have rescued three people from a waterlogged car for the second time this week after a woman drove into a ford on the Shropshire border.

Two passing cyclists spotted the car during a Sunday ride yesterday, and managed to pull its three passengers, aged between 60 and 70, to safety as the water level rose.

This is the second time cyclists have come to drivers’ aid in deep water in a matter of days, after cyclists rescued a woman who drove into a lake in Arlington, USA.

Video: Cyclists save motorist after SUV plunges into lake

Jonathan Swift and Steve Trice spotted the Rover at Trescott Ford, near Shipley, yesterday morning, reports the  Shropshire Star.

Trice, who is 53, said: “As we rounded the corner we laughed when we saw the car stuck because it is so frequent.

“But then we suddenly realised there was someone in it and we pulled up and phoned emergency services.”

Two women were in the front seat and a man in the back.

Trice said: “We saw that the water was coming up very quickly and were joined by four other passers-by who came to help.”

Trice explained to the Star the vehicle had blocked the water flowing across the ford and under a bridge, causing the water level to rapidly rise. One vehicle occupant was asked to shuffle along the seat to escape out of a side window, while another passer-by managed to open the sunroof using a pole, which another occupant was pulled through. The third, another woman, got out of the front side window, aided by the cyclists and other passers-by.

Tettenhall Fire Station Watch Commander Dean Marandola praised the cyclists for helping the three car passengers.

He told the Star: “We would like to commend the bravery of the cyclists for putting themselves in danger to help others.”

He said people frequently get stuck in the ford and reminded people it should only be tackled below a given depth and there is a measuring device to help guide motorists.