Car plunges into Schuylkill River near Kelly Drive; bystanders jump in to help: police
Car plunges into Schuylkill River; bystanders help
Philadelphia police say a car went into the Schuylkill River near 2200 Kelly Drive Friday afternoon, drawing a response from good Samaritans and emergency crews. Witnesses described seeing bystanders jump into the water to help the person inside the vehicle.
PHILADELPHIA - Police say a car ended up in the Schuylkill River near 2200 Kelly Drive Friday afternoon, leading bystanders and emergency crews to respond. Witnesses described seeing people jump into the water to help the person inside the vehicle.
Bystanders and emergency crews respond after car enters river
What we know:
Police confirm one person was inside the vehicle when it went into the river near the St. Joseph's University Boathouse.
The city’s Marine Unit, Philadelphia Fire Department and Philadelphia Police all responded to the scene Friday.
Police said everyone involved was safe, though it was not immediately clear if anyone was injured.
What they're saying:
"I think the girl that jumped in the water, she did an excellent job. And there was another guy, he was a volunteer. He did excellent work," said Yordi Ramirez, a bystander.
He claims at least three people assisted.
Witnesses described a quick response from people nearby, with some jumping into the water and others tossing life jackets or searching for additional help.
Rebecca Grzybowski, head coach of Temple Women’s Rowing, said she heard a huge splash and saw someone she knows, Libby, jump in to help.
"I was able to toss a bag of life jackets in one direction and then go running for like a motor boat because I was like she’s going to need some backup," said Grzybowski.
Rescuer Elisha told FOX 29, "I just walked down the ramp and went in and started swimming." Elisha’s date added, "Eli thankfully is a volunteer at a firefighter station, and he decided to take action and help out as best as he can." Grzybowski said, "All the right people here at the right time with the right skill set to be able to do what needed to be done today is really fortunate."
SkyFOX over the scene
SkyFOX was over the scene around 1:15 p.m., where members of the Philadelphia Police Department’s dive team could be seen searching the water along Kelly Drive.
Images showed more than a dozen officers at the scene and a ladder attached to the side of the riverbank.
It was not immediately clear what caused the vehicle to go into the water.
What's next:
Police have not confirmed what caused the car to go into the river or the extent of injuries to the person inside.
Police dive team searches Schuylkill River for vehicle along Kelly Drive (Photo: Jill Croce/FOX 29)
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
The Source: Information from Philadelphia Police, SKYFOX and FOX 29 interviews.