WHARTON BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — A driver was rescued Thursday evening after a vehicle entered a canal and became submerged behind a West Central Avenue property in Wharton Borough, according to police.
Officers responded at approximately 6:14 p.m. June 12 to reports of a vehicle in a canal behind 180 West Central Ave.
A preliminary investigation determined the driver mistakenly believed the surface ahead was pavement during rainy and overcast conditions. While attempting a K-turn, the vehicle entered the canal and quickly became submerged, police said.
Responding officers found the vehicle partially underwater with its power locks and windows inoperable. Water had already entered the passenger compartment.
One officer entered the canal, broke the driver’s side window and removed the driver from the vehicle. A nearby resident also entered the water and assisted in the rescue effort, according to police.
The driver was safely removed and was not injured. No other injuries were reported.
The Wharton Police Department credited the responding officers, the assisting resident, the Wharton Fire Department and EMS personnel for helping ensure a safe outcome.
The incident remains under investigation.
