Deputies rescue two women, service dog after vehicle crashes into lake

All of the occupants of the vehicle were medically cleared and left the scene without injury.

By Ray Boone
| 5:19 p.m. January 6, 2019

Palm Coast Observer
News

A woman accidentally drove a vehicle into a lake at Waterfront Park on the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 4, according to a news release by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

The FCSO received a call for a crash shortly after 4:30 p.m. The caller, Nancy Burns, told dispatch that she accidentally drove her vehicle — containing herself, her blind mother and a service dog — into a lake. She was unable to open the vehicle's doors, and the water was beginning to fill the car.

Two deputies arrived, entered the water and began efforts to rescue the occupants. The deputies were able to open the driver-side door and assist Nancy Burns, Lisa Burns and their service dog to safety.

Once safely on dry land, Nancy Burns explained to deputies that she had attempted to turn onto Colbert Lane during heavy rain but misjudged the turn and drove straight into the water, instead.

All of the occupants of the vehicle were medically cleared and left the scene without injury. The vehicle was towed and released back to the owner.

“This story could have had a very different ending,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a release. “Driving in the rain can be very dangerous. If at any time you are driving and you feel like the conditions are too hazardous, we encourage drivers to pull over at a safe location and wait for the weather to pass.”