The Countryside Fire Protection District received calls Monday afternoon reporting a car accident at the intersection of Lakeview Parkway and North Fairway Drive in Vernon Hills. Witnesses said that one of the vehicles drove into a nearby retention pond and that the driver was still inside the vehicle. Divers were dispatched from the Libertyville Fire Department and the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District.

The roof and luggage rack of an SUV are visible in the middle of a retention pond at Lakeview Parkway and North Fairview Drive in Vernon Hills. Larry Shapiro photo

The driver was able to get out of the submerged vehicle and was sitting on the car’s roof when firefighters arrived. He reportedly made it out of the water with assistance from several passersby. Both drivers were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Fire department divers from Libertyville prepare to enter the water. Larry Shapiro photo

Divers went into the water to secure the SUV for Ernie’s Wrecker Service who was on the scene to remove both vehicles.

Divers secure a strap to the car so it can be winched out of the water. Larry Shapiro photo

An overview of the pond in relation to the intersection where the collision occurred. Larry Shapiro photo

Larry Shapiro submitted several images from the scene and a short video. More images can be viewed HERE and HERE.

The SUV is pulled from the water. Larry Shapiro photo

The Libertyville Dive Squad. Larry Shapiro photo

The other vehicle involved in the accident. Larry Shapiro photo

A firefighter washes off the dive gear. Larry Shapiro photo

The new dive team unit for the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods FPD. Larry Shapiro photo

Tags: Countryside FPD, Ernie's Wrecker Service, fire department divers, fire department divers recover car from pond in Vernon Hills, Larry Shapiro, Libertyville Fire Department, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods FPD