Woman rescued after car plunges into canal

A woman was successfully rescued after her vehicle, a white Audi, plunged into the Bridgewater Canal in Stretford, Greater Manchester. The incident occurred shortly after 08:30 BST when the car collided with a van on Edge Lane, resulting in the vehicle falling from a bridge and sinking below the water's surface. The Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) reported that an off-duty firefighter was the first to reach the woman and assist her before the official emergency services arrived. The situation prompted a significant response from various emergency teams, including the fire service, Greater Manchester Police, and the North West Ambulance Service. GMFRS deployed two fire engines and a specialized water incident unit to the scene to manage the rescue operation effectively and ensure the area was safe for the public.

The quick actions of the off-duty firefighter were crucial in the rescue, as they were able to bring the woman to safety before the arrival of other emergency personnel. It took crews approximately an hour and a half to secure the scene, collaborating with the police and ambulance services, as well as the Canal and River Trust. Following her rescue, a police spokesperson confirmed that the woman was taken to a hospital as a precautionary measure, although further details regarding her condition were not disclosed. This incident highlights the importance of rapid emergency response and coordination among various service agencies to address unexpected situations effectively.