Mother and Daughter Rescued After Car Plunges into Pool

A mother and her five-year-old daughter were rescued from drowning after their car plunged into an indoor swimming pool in La Ciotat, France. The incident occurred on the evening of October 15, 2023, when the 38-year-old woman accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake while maneuvering in the parking lot of a community leisure centre.

The powerful Jaguar XF sped over a slope, crashing through a safety fence and the glass facade of the building. The vehicle traveled approximately 100 feet before landing in the 25-meter swimming pool, which was occupied by around twenty swimmers at the time.

Lifeguards, who had just arrived to open the pool for late-night swimmers, quickly sprang into action. Two lifeguards and a member of the public jumped into the water and managed to pull the mother and daughter from the submerged car. Footage from the scene shows the immediate aftermath of this unusual accident.

The incident took place at around 20:50 local time. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, although a man sustained minor cuts from the broken glass. The mother and her daughter were transported to a hospital as a precautionary measure and were later reported to be in good health.

Local officials confirmed that firefighters would be responsible for removing the vehicle from the pool. They also announced that the facility would remain closed for an extended period due to the significant damage caused by the crash.

This incident highlights the importance of safety measures in parking areas and the quick response of emergency personnel in potentially life-threatening situations. The community is left to assess the damage and the implications for future recreational activities at the centre.