Police appeal for witnesses to Chester bridge crash

Jun 27 2008 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 24-year-old woman crashed her car through a bridge wall and was trapped upside down in a river.

Earlier today The Chronicle reported how courageous paramedic Stuart Ryland rescued the woman from her submerged car at Church Lane, Aldford, at about 7.40am today (Friday, June 27).

The 24-year-old victim sustained leg injuries in the crash after she was trapped in the overturned grey Vauxhall Astra for about 40 minutes.

Spokesman Dave Murray said: “A passer by and a police patrol helped the woman and managed to keep the her head above the water in difficult conditions. The drivers condition is described as serious but stable.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 01244 612 030.

Earlier today North West Ambulance Service praised paramedic Stuart Ryland who plunged into the river to pull the woman above water after the car crashed through the bridge wall and fell 15ft into the water below.

Ambulance service spokesperson Tracey Leung said: “Stuart’s actions played a vital role in saving her life.

“Despite sustaining an injury to himself and a soaked uniform during the rescue, he continued to give the patient treatment, on route to hospital. The patient suffered leg injuries, and was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital.”