Woman, 83, Rescued After Car Goes Down Embankment: Police

STONEHAM, MA — Emergency responders came to the rescue of an elderly woman after she drove her car into a wooded embankment early Saturday morning and became stuck inside the vehicle, authorities said.

The Stoneham Police Department responded to the single-vehicle collision after receiving several 911 calls regarding the car, which callers said drove from a parking lot at an apartment complex at 1 Stonehill Drive and down the embankment just before noon on Saturday, according to a news release from the police department. The wooded embankment is located between the apartment complex and Interstate 95.

Stoneham Police Department Officer Colin Strong was the first at the scene. The car was being held in place by trees and the driver, an 83-year-old woman, had no apparent injuries. She was unable to open the car door and get out on her own, police said.

Fire crews arrived at the scene and were able to secure the vehicle in place before safely getting the driver out, according to the news release. The woman was taken to a local hospital.

“I’d like to commend Officer Strong, along with all the Stoneham Police officers and Firefighters who responded to this crash,” said Chief James O'Connor. “Their quick actions allowed us to get this driver to the hospital as soon as possible for an evaluation.”

The crash remains under investigation by the Stoneham Police Department.