SUV Sinks in Nashua River

NASHUA, NH — A driver dropped a cigarette on himself and jumped out of his running sport utility vehicle, which proceeded to roll into the Nashua River Monday morning, authorities said.

The incident happened at Mine Falls Park at the boat ramp. The driver was not hurt.

The man's vehicle, a 2016 Dodge Journey, floated about 75 out from shore then sank, according to Nashua Deputy fire Chief George Walker.

"(The driver) stated he dropped a cigarette on his lap," Walker said in a statement. "He jumped out of the vehicle and the vehicle rolled into the river."

The Nashua Fire Department dive team reached the SUV and attached a cable to it; a driver from Nashua-based 1st Priority Towing pulled the SUV out. No fluids leaked from the SUV, Walker said.

Photo credit: Nashua Fire Department