Bystanders recall saving two people from canal following car crash in Metairie

METAIRIE, La. ( WGNO ) — Deputies with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office are at the scene of a crash that left two people hospitalized in Metairie on Thursday, May 2.

The JPSO reported the crash happened at the intersection of Richland and West Esplanade avenues, where a car was found submerged in a canal.

JPSO officials said the driver of the car is in critical condition and the passenger is in stable condition. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment.

According to Jefferson Parish Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken, bystanders jumped in to help pull the two people from the car.

The crash is weighing heavy on the hearts of bystanders.

“It’s much scarier to look back on them than me. So, I hope they both are okay,” said Ryan Dowe.

One bystander, who jumped into the water, says it all went downhill once a red car hit the other.

“When it hit it, the car turned and when it turned the car came rolling forward. I am not sure if the ladies in the panicked or what, but it came rolling forward and it went over the thing and into the canal. Once it went into the canal it quickly turned on its side,” said the bystander.

Maggie Calzada was delivering pizza when she noticed the car sliding into the canal. She soon rushed to see where she could help, starting at the passenger door.

“It wasn’t fully submerged at that point. Another gentleman came in and helped me. We finally got the door open. The passenger seemed to be unbuckling at that time,” said Calzada.

But it became harder to get the driver out as the car continued to tip over.

Dowe says he was moving as fast as he could, trying to recall how long she was underwater.

“At least five to nine minutes with the way the car was turning over. A man threw me a hammer and I was trying to break the passenger window. I couldn’t do it. The water was so hard to swing the hammer,” said Dowe.

Yet, the well-being of the drivers hangs over Calzada’s head.

“I’m still worried about the driver. I know the passenger is safe, she was able to walk on her own accord. I’m still worried about the driver. It’s mixed emotions at this point,” said Calzada.

Additional details have not been released.

This is a developing story. Stay with WGNO as we learn more.

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