Teenager ok after car lands in river

HOPKINS, Mich. (WOOD) - A 17-year-old Martin high school senior is ok tonight after her car landed upside down in a river Monday afternoon.

Allie Teed lost control on an icy bridge and tore right through the guard rail, where she landed in the Rabbit River near 130th Ave. and 18th St. in Hopkins with a pocket of just 6 inches of air to breathe.

Teed's mother, Jennifer, credits the volunteers at the Hopkins Fire Department for their quick response and saving her daughter's life.

"She was upside down in the river and was able to get her seatbelt off and couldn't open the door," said Jennifer Teed.

Fortunately, Jim Bard saw the accident happen and called 911.

"I seen the car lose it, and then I seen if flip, and I couldn't believe it," Bard said. "I knew it was bad."

Bard then hurried to help.

"Then as I came down, I was like, 'Where's she at in the ditch?'" said Bard. "And I saw the guard rail all torn up, and I was like, 'She's down in the river.' I hollered for her and I heard her screaming."

The Hopkins Volunteer Fire Department was more than ready having just drilled in cold water rescue last night.

"They showed up right away and got right in there. They got the door open and talked her out and she was cold and they got her in the ambulance," said Jennifer. "They warmed her up good and took good care of her and she's fine."

Neighbors near the scene say the bridge is a trouble spot in the winter because the canopy of trees keeps sunlight from shining through not allowing the ice to melt.

Friends and family are keeping a close eye on Allie tonight and holding dear to what they almost lost.

Police say two teenagers passing by may also have helped in the rescue this afternoon.