Blaine, Washington – Woman Pronounced Dead After Being Pulled Out of Submerged Vehicle

Blaine, Washington (September 29, 2019) – Update: A woman was pronounced dead on the scene after being pulled from a vehicle that was submerged in approximately ten feet of water off the Blaine boat launch. Crews from the North Whatcom Fire and Rescue attempted lifesaving efforts, but were unable to revive her. The Whatcom County Medical Examiner has identified the victim to be Eleanor Lenzner from British Columbia, and her death has been ruled as an accident..

The vehicle was first reported to police around 7 a.m. on Sunday morning. According to the report, Lenzner entered the US through the Peace Arch Port of Entry and became disoriented, driving until her vehicle ended up in Drayton Harbor. Police believe that her vehicle entered the water at low tide and was unable to exit, ruling her death accidental. This information was released by the Blaine Police Department on Wednesday, October 2.

About Car Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion to the friends and loved ones of the victim. While there appear to be few statistics and study related to injuries and/or fatalities involved with vehicle drowning, it is very clear that a car falling into water is a serious situation. When the car falls into water, the amount of water that comes inside the vehicle depends on the rate that the vehicle entered the water. When a car gently slips into water for example, water gets inside slower, but a more forceful crash can easily push the water inside the vehicle and displace the air within. This is because a car is not completely sealed in, and after being submerged it will only be matter of minutes until the vehicle’s interior is flooded. If the windows haven’t been broken by the impact, the water pressure outside the vehicle will make opening any doors or windows more difficult. In any case, the priority in this situation would be to get out as soon as possible, and it has been recommended that anyone trapped inside a submerged vehicle should try to open an exit.

While it pays to keep in mind the steps necessary to take in such a situation, the best way to handle an accident is to try and prevent it. Make sure to drive carefully on roads that are near bodies of water, and to be aware of other drivers on such roads. By following traffic regulations, we can easily help to avoid accidents that can result in injuries, loss or damage to us and the people around us.

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