Fourteen-year olds hailed as heroes

Canterbury police have praised the actions of two Lincoln fourteen-year olds, who pulled an unconscious driver from a submerged vehicle last night.

The dramatic rescue came after a Toyota Hilux utility vehicle travelling south on River Road, between Lincoln and Greenpark, left the road and crashed into the Halswell River, at around 5.40pm yesterday [Sunday 10 February].

Senior Constable Jim Manning, of Rolleston police, says two local fourteen-year old boys - Liam Robinson and Angus Bailey - were in the vicinity and heard the crash.

"The pair immediately biked to the scene and found the utility in the river, and the cab area partly submerged.

"They jumped in and found the driver unconscious and slumped forward in the driver's seat, with his head under water.

"The two of them have managed to free the driver, open the cab door and pull him out, and pull him up on to the bank. They also checked the cab in case there was anybody else trapped inside.

"The pair have shown incredible presence of mind and there's no doubt their actions have helped to saved the driver's life."

Police, ambulance and the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Brigade attended the scene. The driver was taken to Christchurch hospital with concussion and moderate injuries, and his condition is today described as comfortable.

Investigations into the crash are continuing.