Runner jumps into Vltava river after police car plunges from Prague bridge

A police car crashed through a barrier on Prague’s Hlávkův most and fell into the Vltava on Saturday morning, prompting a passing runner to jump into the river to help its two occupants.

The male and female officers and their rescuer were treated for hypothermia but had no reported injuries and were out of danger, emergency medical service spokeswoman Jana Poštová told ČTK.

The crash happened around 8 a.m. Oct. 10. Police spokesman Jan Rybanský said investigators were working to establish why the vehicle left the road.

Poštová said a witness saw the crash and jumped into the water to assist the officers. Novinky.cz identified the passerby as a runner and reported that the officers were between 25 and 30 years old.

Three ambulance crews, a doctor and an emergency service inspector were dispatched to the scene, according to the outlet. All three people were safely out of the water and receiving treatment.

Police and emergency services confirmed the occupants’ condition to local reporters on the scene.

Firefighters responded with boats, and the damaged car was subsequently pulled from the river, Novinky.cz reported in its 9:18 a.m. update.

Hlávkův most connects the New Town and Karlín side of the river with Holešovice. The crash occurred near the end of the bridge in the direction of the city center.

The cause remains unknown. Police have not yet announced their findings or an estimate of the damage.