Driver injured after car plunges off Route 5 bridge in Canelones
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A woman driving on Route 5 in Canelones, Uruguay, lost control of her vehicle and fell off a bridge.
- The driver, estimated to be around 50 years old, was rescued by emergency services and is in stable condition with multiple injuries.
- A witness described the car veering towards the bridge railing before plunging approximately 10 meters.
A dramatic traffic accident unfolded on Route 5 in Canelones, Uruguay, when a woman lost control of her vehicle and plunged off a bridge. The incident, which occurred around midday, saw the car fall an estimated 10 meters before hitting the ground. Emergency services, including firefighters and police, quickly responded to extract the driver from the wreckage.
she looked like she was getting close to the bridge railing.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with one motorist who was traveling behind the victim's car reporting that the vehicle appeared to be drifting towards the bridge's guardrail before the fall. The witness recounted hearing a crash upon impact with the concrete below and noted the driver's apparent distress as she tried to exit the vehicle. "I didn't think I'd find her in good condition and conscious," the witness stated, highlighting the severity of the situation.
There was a cloud of dust, an explosion when it hit the concrete.
The driver, a woman in her 50s, sustained multiple injuries but is reported to be in stable condition. She was transported to a local sanatorium for further evaluation and treatment of any internal injuries. The cause of the driver losing control remains under investigation, but the dramatic nature of the fall underscores the dangers of the road, especially for those who may be distracted or experiencing a medical emergency behind the wheel.
the woman was very desperate to get out.
While this incident is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the potential for sudden tragedy on our roads, it also highlights the swift response of emergency personnel and the bravery of bystanders who rushed to assist. The focus now shifts to the driver's recovery and the ongoing efforts to understand the precise circumstances that led to this alarming event on one of Uruguay's key highways.
I didn't think I'd find her in good condition and conscious.
Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.