Men Rescued From Car Roof As Vehicle Is Swept Down River

Men Rescued From Car Roof As Vehicle Is Swept Down River

- Matthew Finlay & Caoimhe Hegarty

TWO young men were plucked to safety in a dramatic rescue which got underway on Saturday evening after their car was swept downstream by rising water as they attempted to cross a ford outside Drapers town.

The two men, who are not believed to be from the local area, were following a sat nav which took them along the Mulnavoo Road when the incident occurred at around 5pm.

Unfamiliar with area, their vehicle entered the water but due to high water levels the car was then caught in rising water before being carried downstream approximately 20 meters.

Luckily, the two passengers were able to exit the car and climb onto the roof before raising the alarm.

Northern Ireland and Fire and Rescue (NIFRS) crews from both Maghera and Magherafelt were quick on the scene. Firefighters used lines to secure the car and a ladder from the adjacent footbridge to rescue the two men and lead them to safety.

GeoffSomerville from NIFRS highlighted that the incident was a ‘stark reminder’ of the dangers of crossing a ford.