Poulsbo, Washington – Two People Rescued from Car that Crashed Into Liberty Bay

Poulsbo, Washington (December 14, 2019) – Two people were rescued from a car that crashed into Liberty Bay near Fjord Drive on Saturday morning. A man was reported to be in critical condition was taken to Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, and a woman was also transported and is in stable condition. Three firefighters who responded to the scene and swam out to the vehicle were also transported to be treated for hypothermia.

The incident was first reported around 8:30 a.m. By the time crews arrive don the scene the vehicle was almost completely submerged, with only the rear wheels exposed. The cause of the accident has not been reported, but the Poulsbo Police Department is investigating the crash.

About Car Accidents

While there appear to be few statistics and study related to injuries and/or fatalities involved with vehicle drowning, it is very clear that a car falling into water is a serious situation. When the car falls into water, the amount of water that comes inside the vehicle depends on the rate that the vehicle entered the water. When a car gently slips into water for example, water gets inside slower, but a more forceful crash can easily push the water inside the vehicle and displace the air within. This is because a car is not completely sealed in, and after being submerged it will only be matter of minutes until the vehicle’s interior is flooded. If the windows haven’t been broken by the impact, the water pressure outside the vehicle will make opening any doors or windows more difficult. In any case, the priority in this situation would be to get out as soon as possible, and it has been recommended that anyone trapped inside a submerged vehicle should try to open an exit.

While it pays to keep in mind the steps necessary to take in such a situation, the best way to handle an accident is to try and prevent it. Make sure to drive carefully on roads that are near bodies of water, and to be aware of other drivers on such roads. By following traffic regulations, we can easily help to avoid accidents that can result in injuries, loss or damage to us and the people around us.

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