Belleville Resident Leaps Into Icy River To Save Crash Victim: PD

BELLEVILLE, NJ — A Belleville resident leaped into the icy waters of the Passaic River on Monday, risking their life to save a driver after her car plunged into the water near Route 21, authorities said.

The Belleville Police Department shared news of the amazing rescue on social media, including a stunning photo of the victim’s car as it sank into the frigid waters (see above).

According to police, the one-vehicle crash took place on Rt. 21 north around 10 a.m., sending the car toppling into the river below. Fortunately, a Belleville resident saw the accident and immediately jumped into the river to save the trapped driver.

A pair Belleville police officers raced to the scene and threw rescue ropes to the Good Samaritan and the crash victim, then pulled them to safety, authorities said.

Dive teams from Lyndhurst, Wallington and Oradell later recovered the vehicle from the river, police said.

“We are thankful for everyone that assisted,” Belleville police stated. “The driver and Good Samaritan are doing well.”

More information about the Good Samaritan's identity wasn't immediately available.

Another rescue took place near the same stretch of water in 2016, when a bystander saved a woman who drove her car into the Passaic River.

• See related article: Bystander Rescues Woman In Nutley After She Drives Into Passaic River

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