The man was trying to drive across the ford ‘but realised too late it was a mistake’ (Picture: NNP)
A driver who made a ‘mistake’ driving through an overflowing ford had to be dramatically rescued this week.
The man became trapped after their car veered off the road in fast-flowing water.
Rescuers raced to the scene and used a winch system to reach the motorist, who was swiftly lifted to safety.
The hair-raising incident took place at the Westgate Ford in Durham.
Michael Pearson, station manager for Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, warned drivers to take care in similar driving conditions.
He told the Darlington Times: ’He (the man) was trying to drive across the ford but obviously realised too late it was a mistake.
‘We would like to take this opportunity to remind people that this time of year presents several driving-related issues, one of which is the suitability of routes that use fords when water levels could be higher or more powerful than normal.
‘Please consider alternative routes if your usual journey would involve a ford during the winter months.’
The man became trapped as he tried to navigate the fast-flowing Westgate Ford in Weardale, Durham (Picture: North News & Pictures)
Shocking pictures show the car wedged underneath a bridge (Picture: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Crews from Consett, Middleton and Teasdale and Bishop Auckland fire stations were involved in the rescue efforts.
A spokesperson from the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service added: ‘With the water rising rapidly within the car, our fantastic crews got to work quickly and used working at height equipment to get on top of the car and gain contact with the casualty.
‘Firefighter Scott then put the casualty into a harness and was pulled to safety by our firefighters.
‘Thanks to the swift response of our crews, the occupant sustained no major injuries.’
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The man was trying to drive across the ford ‘but realised too late it was a mistake’.