Two young women escaped with minor injuries after their car plunged into a canal leading to Lake Erie on Thursday night.
Chatham-Kent police say the crash happened around 10 p.m. on Mariners Road in Erieau, when the driver mistakenly hit the accelerator instead of the brake. The vehicle went into the canal, shattering the windshield as it entered the water.
The 20-year-old driver and her 18-year-old passenger managed to get out before the car sank, spending about four minutes in the water before reaching a ladder and making their way to a nearby home to call for help.
The canal is roughly 20 feet deep, and assistance was provided by the Harbour Master and Federal Docks. Police say no charges were laid.