SUNRISE, FLA. (WSVN) - Five good Samaritans didn’t hesitate to run to the aid of a man after his car plunged into a Sunrise canal, Wednesday morning.
According to Sunrise Police, 50-year-old Paul Esposito was traveling eastbound on Oakland Park Boulevard, near Hiatus Road, when his car crashed through a guard rail and into the canal. Esposito, a general surgeon, became trapped in his car as it submerged in the water.
Before local law enforcement was even notified, five good Samaritans who witnessed the incident dropped whatever they were doing to jump into the cold water and render aid to the man.
One of the good Samaritans, Arturo Oliveras, said he heard the crash and then jumped in the water.
“I was here and heard the sound, like a very loud sound, so it was very scary,” Oliveras said. “I took off my shoes, everything off, and jumped in.”
Pictures sent to 7News showed Esposito sitting in the driver’s seat of the sedan with his driver’s window lowered as good Samaritans pulled him out.
According to Esposito, he “blacked out” or fell asleep at the wheel, which caused him to hit a median and lose control of the vehicle. He suffered no injuries and did not require transport to a hospital.
“I feel fine,” he said later.
It is unknown if he suffered a medical condition at the time of the crash.
Oliveras could not initially remove Esposito, so others jumped in to help.
“Between five people tried to get the guy out, and we couldn’t,” he said.
Finally, after five minutes, they helped him out.
While his sedan is damaged, he is simply grateful for the five bystanders who helped pull him out safely. “They helped pull me out through the window,” Esposito said. “It was very nice of them. The paramedics were really great, too.”
The car has since been removed from the water.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.