Tragic Crash Claims Life in Copper City

In a heartbreaking incident, a car plunged into a canal in Copper City, Florida, resulting in the tragic loss of a life. The accident occurred early Wednesday morning, leaving authorities and the community grappling with the aftermath.

A Devastating Incident that Shakes the Community

The Crash Site: A Scene of Chaos and Sorrow

The incident unfolded around 6 a.m. on Griffin Road and Southwest 90th Avenue. Authorities reported that a car was traveling westbound on Griffin Road when it collided with a guard rail and subsequently plunged into a nearby canal. The impact of the crash was severe, leaving the vehicle submerged in the murky waters.Broward Sheriff's Office deputies and fire rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the scene, responding to reports of the accident. Upon arrival, they discovered that a man and a woman were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. The man was able to free himself and make it out of the car, but the woman remained trapped inside, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation.

The Rescue Efforts: A Race Against Time

The rescue teams sprang into action, with BSO's divers swimming through the canal, scouring the east and west sides of the bridge in a desperate attempt to locate the trapped woman. Aerial footage from 7Skyforce captured the intense scene, as the divers battled the murky waters in a race against time.Tragically, the woman was later found deceased inside the submerged vehicle. A heavy-duty tow truck arrived at the scene to pull the car out of the water and retrieve the woman's body. A diver went into the water and attached a secured cable from the tow truck to the car, allowing the vehicle to be carefully extracted from the canal.

The Aftermath: Investigating the Cause and Honoring the Victim

The front of the car sustained substantial damage, and crews had to utilize the jaws of life tool, among others, to safely remove the body. A family member or friend of the victim arrived at the crash site, visibly distraught, as deputies comforted him and pulled him from the water's edge.The man who had managed to escape the vehicle was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. BSO's Traffic Homicide Unit detectives have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the tragic crash.The incident has left the community in Copper City reeling, as they grapple with the loss of a life and the devastating aftermath of the accident. Authorities have closed the westbound lanes of Griffin Road at Pine Island Road and Orange Drive, approaching 90th Avenue, causing heavy traffic delays in the area. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use Sterling Road as an alternate route.As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of the victim and extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.