CHULA VISTA, Calif. – Firefighters rescued a driver who got trapped in his flooding car after smashing into a fire hydrant in the Chula Vista neighborhood of Otay Ranch early Monday morning, sending water shooting into the air.
According to Chula Vista police, at about 3 a.m. a driver lost control of his car and crashed into a tree and hydrant at East Palomar Street and La Media Road, creating a water geyser. The car flipped onto its top, trapping the driver inside as water gushed into his car, dangerously close to his head.
With water raining down on them, Chula Vista Fire Department crews tore off the trunk of the car to get the driver out. He was conscious and breathing as he was transported to a hospital.
Otay Water District crews responded and shut off the water.
As of 5:45 a.m., Palomar Road was shut down in both directions at La Media Road while firefighters waited for city crews to arrive and chop down the downed tree.
Chula Vista police are investigating what caused the driver to crash. Police said there were no apparent witnesses.
