On Saturday evening, just before 6 p.m., Seattle police responded to reports of a vehicle submerged in the water at the Atlantic City Boat Ramp on Seward Park Avenue South. Upon arrival, officers and paramedics from the Seattle Fire Department found a 20-year-old woman on the shore in stable condition. She informed emergency responders that a 17-year-old girl was still in the water.
The driver, a 20-year-old woman, exhibited signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested at the scene for vehicular assault following the rollover crash that critically injured the teenage girl. According to Detective Brian Pritchard from SPD Public Affairs, the girl is currently in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center as of Sunday morning.
As rescue efforts commenced, divers from the Seattle Fire Department and harbor patrol officers searched the waters for the missing girl. Tragically, she was located unresponsive and received immediate CPR before being transported to Harborview Medical Center.
This case highlights the dangers associated with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired judgment can lead to serious accidents, endangering not only the driver but also passengers and others on the road. The critical condition of the 17-year-old girl raises concerns about youth safety in vehicles. It emphasizes the need for awareness among young drivers and passengers about the risks involved in reckless driving and the importance of wearing seat belts.
An investigation by the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad revealed that both the driver and the teenager had parked at the ramp prior to the incident. However, the driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the rollover into the lake. While the driver managed to escape through a window, the girl was unable to swim to safety.
