A Maine State Trooper jumped into the Cobbosseecontee Stream at the West Gardiner/Gardiner line on Sunday, attempting to rescue a driver whose vehicle had careened off the road and submerged in the water.
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Trooper Tom Bureau arrived on scene minutes after receiving reports that a 2020 Audi sedan traveling southbound on I-295 had driven off the road and into the stream.
When Trooper Bureau arrived, a witness informed him that the vehicle was submerged and could no longer be seen.
Immediately, Bureau removed his duty belt and protective equipment and jumped into the water after the submerged car.
He swam to a depth of about seven feet and was able to feel the car, but was unable to open a door due to oil in the water. The State Police did not elaborate on why the oil prevented the door from opening.
Bureau remained in the stream for approximately five minutes, attempting to get into the car, until he learned that the driver, 27-year-old Brandon Nale of Winslow, had escaped and swum to a nearby residence.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Nale fell asleep while driving before veering off the road. His car then struck a sign and a concrete barrier before careening off the bridge and entering the water. Luckily, the driver was able to open the door and exit the vehicle before it fully sank.
He was transported to the Maine General Hospital in Augusta for treatment for non-life threatening injuries.
The Maine State Police Dive Team recovered the vehicle with help from Gardiner Fire & Rescue, West Gardiner Fire, Maine DOT, and AC Towing.
