(Photo provided, Indiana State Police)
In Portage, Indiana State Police Lowell District say a man found Tuesday afternoon in a vehicle that crashed about six days earlier drank rainwater to survive. A news release said the driver was found by two people who spotted the vehicle off Interstate 94 at the Salt Creek overpass in Porter County. Indiana State Police say the 27-year-old driver was pinned inside and unable to call for help. Indiana State Police say two men were walking along Salt Creek when they spotted what appeared to be a crashed vehicle. “Out of curiosity, the made their way to the vehicle and observed what they thought was a lifeless person. However, when one of the fishermen touched the occupant, he turned his head and began to speak to them. The Good Samaritans immediately called 911 and requested help,” Indiana State Police said. The Portage and Burns Harbor Fire Departments responded and after a lengthy extrication process were able to remove the driver from the vehicle, and during the extrication efforts, it was determined that the crash had more than likely occurred sometime around December 20th, said Indiana State Police. Officials say the driver was flown to a hospital for treatment of severe injuries. “This crash is a reminder of the importance of always letting someone know if you are traveling, the route you are taking, and the need to always have emergency items in your vehicle,” Indiana State Police said. “The will to survive this crash was nothing short of extraordinary,” Indiana State Police said, adding it was determined the driver was able to drink rainwater for hydration “in order to survive for such a long period of time while being exposed to the elements.”
