Several Abbotsford Police officers and bystanders helped in a dramatic rescue early Sunday morning to free four women trapped in a car that had landed upside down in a water-filled ditch.
The incident took place just after midnight at Vye Road and Sumas Way, after a 2009 Dodge Ram pickup collied with a 2007 Pontiac G5.
Const. Ian MacDonald said police will be recommending impaired driving charges against the 26-year-old female driver of the Dodge.
Initial reports indicate that the Pontiac had a green light and was heading north on Sumas Way when it was T-boned by the Dodge, which was travelling west on Vye Road.
The impact sent the Pontiac into the ditch, trapping the four occupants. Police and bystanders jumped into the ditch and flipped the car onto it side.
Speaking at the scene, Const. Paul Walker said the water had seeped about halfway through the car.
"It took approximately 15 people to right the vehicle prior to fire and EHS (emergency health services) attending."
Three of the occupants of the Pontiac, including the driver, were 21 years old, and the fourth person was 19.
Three of them were taken to Abbotsford Regional Hospital and one was airlifted to a Vancouver hospital. The injuries are believed to be serious, but non-life-threatening.
The Dodge contained two passengers – a 27-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman. Neither they nor the driver had to be taken to hospital.
All seven people involved were from Abbotsford.