Bystander saves passenger after car slides on ice and into river

A bystander may have just saved a passenger’s life Friday night in Massachusetts.

According to Grafton Police, at approximately 9:57 p.m., police, fire and EMS personnel responded to Worcester Street and Wheeler Road in Grafton for a motor vehicle crash. On arrival, officers found a vehicle fully submerged in the river near that location. Both occupants were out of the vehicle.

An investigation revealed that the vehicle was heading down Wheeler Road and slid on black ice. The operator lost control and the vehicle left the roadway, landing in the river. The male driver escaped, but the female passenger was trapped. A passing motorist, Chris Etre of Grafton, observed the crash, entered the water, and broke a rear window helping the passenger escape before the vehicle became fully submerged. No injuries reported, but the occupants were taken to UMass for evaluation.

The Grafton Police Department recognized the bravery.

“We want to recognize and commend Chris Etre for his actions and quick response during this incident. Without his rapid intervention, the outcome could have been tragic.”