Crew Team Rescues Driver As SUV Crashes Into CT River In Glastonbury

GLASTONBURY, CT — A crew team training in the Connecticut River hauled a driver to safety after his car splashed into the water Wednesday afternoon, police said.

Initial police calls alerted authorities to an "erratic driver" heading to Riverfront Park on Welles Street. The car, a BMW being driven by an "adult male" from Hartford, somehow ended up careening down the boat launch and into the river, police said.

As the SUV began filling with water, the driver managed to crawl out the driver's side window and perch himself on the door, police said. He eventually jumped into the river, police said.

That's when a support boat from a nearby crew team picked the man up and brought him safely to the riverbank, police said.

The man was taken to an area hospital for evaluation, police said.

Local and CREST dive teams converged on the area, as did the Glastonbury police and fire departments.

The vehicle was not stolen, according to police. Police are still investigating the circumstances.

In a touch of irony, the Riverfront Park Boat launch re-opened Thursday after a short closure because of low water levels.

"Boaters are urged to use caution as the water level is still lower than usual. The town will continue to monitor the water level at the launch on a daily basis to determine if it's safe for public use," officials said.