Pensioner, 80, dies after automobile plunges off street into river with driver nonetheless inside sparking frantic rescue operation
- Police were called at around 8.40am after the car plummeted into the River Dart
An 80-year-old man has died after a car plunged off a road into a river – with the driver still inside.
Police were called at around 8.40am this morning after the car plummeted into the River Dart opposite the lifeboat station in Dartmouth.
Emergency services launched a frantic rescue operation on the south Embankment to free the driver, with police, ambulances, fire engines, coastguard and divers deployed.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police has now confirmed the tragic death of the driver, a pensioner who was driving in the car alone.
The force said in a statement: ‘Emergency services were swiftly deployed to the scene, including police divers who entered the water.
Police were called around 8.40am after a car reportedly plummeted into the water of the River Dart opposite the lifeboat station in Dartmouth
The embankment area was closed and cordons were in place for much of the day
Emergency services launched a frantic rescue operation on the south Embankment to free the driver, with police, ambulances, fire engines, coastguard and divers deployed
‘Sadly, a man in his 80s, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle was extracted from the car and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
‘The death is not believed to be suspicious, and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.’
The embankment area has been closed and cordons were in place for much of the day.
After more than three hours at the scene, the emergency services response appeared to have been reduced, a bystander told DevonLive.
Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area for now.
