On 12/29/2024 at approximately 13:57 hours, Niagara County Communications received a 911 call regarding a motor vehicle accident with injuries involving a single vehicle. The caller reported the vehicle was overturned and came to rest on its roof.
The caller reported the vehicle was underwater in a ditch. It was reported a citizen was attempting to break a window to assist in extricating the single occupant. Responding deputies arrived on scene and observed a 2009 Honda Fit overturned in the ditch with the passenger compartment filling with water.
The driver and sole occupant, later identified as 40 year old Robert Prange from the Town of Wheatfield, was pinned in the vehicle. Deputy Virk and Deputy Kennedy entered the ditch and were able to use their department issued rescue tool to break the rear passenger side window, open the door, and pull Prange to safety.
Prange sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital for further treatment. Investigation revealed Prange to be under the influence of drugs. Prange was charged with a traffic violation and Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Prange was released on appearance tickets and remains at the hospital for further treatment.
Niagara County Driver Extricated from Vehicle Underwater in a Ditch