Car Leaves Road and Breaks Through Ice on Sabattus River

A vehicle plunged over an embankment and partially into the icy waters of the Sabattus River in Lisbon, Saturday, March 14.

The driver managed to self-extricate before emergency responders arrived. The Lisbon Fire Department shared details of the incident in an official update, highlighting a swift and coordinated response that prevented a more serious outcome.

The call came in at approximately 12:21 p.m. to the Lisbon Communications Center, reporting a motor vehicle that had left the roadway near 180 Lisbon Street, close to the Lisbon Flea Market, and gone over an embankment onto the river. Lisbon Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were the first to arrive and confirmed the vehicle had exited the road and was partially submerged on the frozen surface of the Sabattus River.

Fortunately, the lone occupant had already escaped the vehicle on their own prior to crews reaching the scene.

Because the vehicle broke through the ice, firefighters had to suit up in specialized ice water rescue equipment and prepare for a potential technical water rescue or recovery operation.

The driver was evaluated and transported by EMS to a local hospital as a precautionary measure for minor injuries. No life-threatening conditions were reported, and no additional injuries occurred during the incident.