Crime & Safety
Man, 19, Crashes Into Canal, Dies Despite Rescue Efforts
Three Con Fire rescue swimmers freed the 19-year-old from his trapped car; he was rushed to a hospital where he died, authorities said.
PITTSBURG, CA — A 19-year-old Pittsburg man died early Wednesday after car crashed into the Contra Costa Canal, authorities said. Five units with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District were dispatched at 2:22 a.m. to a report that a vehicle was submerged underwater in the area of 3702 Railroad Avenue, with one person trapped inside, Con Fire said.
Three Con Fire rescue swimmers dove into the canal and freed the man from the car; he was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, according to Con Fire.
The Contra Costa County Coroner's Office confirmed later Wednesday morning that the man died, and after notifying his next of kin, identified him as Juan Bemitez, 19, of Pittsburg.
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Bay City News Service contributed to this report.
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