Medical Emergency Caused Man To Crash Into Charles River: Police

CAMBRIDGE, MA — a 23-year-old Rhode Island man suffered only minor injuries after crashing his SUV into the Charles River in Cambridge Monday night. Police say the man suffered a medical incident right before the crash.

Police say the crash happened around 7:40 p.m. along Memorial Drive near the intersection with Flagg Street.

The state police marine unit, dive team, Cambridge police, and fire department all rushed to the scene, but it was two coaches on Northeastern University's rowing team who were able to help rescue him.

According to Cambridge Fire Department, the coaches saw the crash and raced over to help the man. They say he was able to roll his window down and get out, while the coaches threw him a life vest and called the police.

Police say the driver was taken to Mt. Auburn Hospital with only minor injuries.

After the driver escaped, Cambridge Fire Department says the car sank to the bottom of the river, and crews needed a tow truck to pull the car out.

A month ago, a Burlington man was rescued by a rowing team after his car crashed into the Charles River at Memorial Drive and the Western Avenue bridge.