x
Breaking News
More () »

Bystander saves man after car goes into water on South Home Road in Mansfield

"People need to learn, just don't drive through moving water, 'cause this is what can happen," Lt. Ben Carrocci said.
Credit: Zach Tuggle/News Journal
Nathan Lawrence, 21, of Mansfield talks to his mother after he was pulled out of his car on Home Road on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. A bystander pulled Lawrence from his car, which went into the water.

MANSFIELD - Hunter Woodruff didn't think twice when he saw Nathan Lawrence trapped in his car in flood water off South Home Road on Tuesday afternoon.

Woodruff, of Mansfield, was driving home from his job working on cell phone towers shortly after 5:15 p.m. Tuesday when he saw Lawrence's car in the water. He parked his truck, dove in the water and pulled 21-year-old Lawrence out.

"Rescuing's kind of in our job title," said Woodruff, who's CPR-certified.

What happened?

Credit: Zach Tuggle/News Journal
The driver of a car submerged in a river that crosses Home Road escaped safely Tuesday afternoon.

Lawrence, of Mansfield, said he was driving on Home Road when he hydroplaned and struck a guardrail. He said he bounced over to the other side of the road and slid down a ravine.

Lawrence wasn't injured.

Lt. Ben Carrocci of the Troy Township Fire Department said Lawrence's car was traveling north on Home Road.

Carrocci said there was high water standing in a curve, and Lawrence lost control of his vehicle in the moving water and went down the embankment.

"People need to learn, just don't drive through moving water, 'cause this is what can happen," Carrocci said.

Carrocci said the car isn't recoverable at this time and will remain where it is until the water level goes down.

The Ohio Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

South Home Road closed

South Home Road is closed near the Marion Avenue intersection due to flooding after a strong line of thunderstorms moved through the area Tuesday.

A Richland County Sheriff's Office dispatcher said South Home Road is closed between Marion Avenue and Greibling Road because of flooding.

A flood advisory remains in effect for northern Richland County, northern Crawford County, southern Seneca County and northern Wyandot County until 6:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Several Ohio counties, including Richland County, remain under a severe thunderstorm watch until 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Several areas of the county, including Lexington, already experienced heavy flooding after a strong storm moved through the area Monday.

Check back for updates.

Before You Leave, Check This Out