Kamloops man’s quick action saves driver from icy North Thompson River

A Kamloops woman is grateful for a helping hand after a Boxing Day shopping trip turned sideways.

Tracy Smith was driving her Ford Mustang on Schubert Drive yesterday where a patch of ice sent her car spinning out of control.

"All of a sudden, the rear end of my car started going sideways," Smith said, adding that she had been driving about 40 km/h at the time.

"I thought for sure I as going to hit a parked truck, so I swerved, then I started doing rotations."

Smith said she spun three times before hurtling over the embankment where the front end of her Mustang ended up in the North Thompson River.

By the time she hit the water, her phone, purse and an A&W lunch were strewn throughout the car, and the airbags had deployed.

"The smell of the airbags was so awful," Smith said. "I honestly thought the car had started on fire."

Driving northward, opposite of Smith, Tyler Mundreon sprang into action after he watched her lose control and tumble toward the icy water. From the top of the embankment, he called out to her to make sure she was okay, then he assured Smith that he was calling 911 for help.

"I just asked him to help me get out of the car," Smith said.

The doors weren't yet submerged, but they were damaged and unable to open. So Mundreon headed down to the water and helped her out through the window.

"There was no hesitation. I didn't know if the car was going to stay there or if she was hurt," Mundreon said. "After she was out, I went back and turned the car off. I'm not sure why at that point, but it seemed like a good idea at the time."

Smith was unable to find her phone or her purse, but she managed to get out of the car safely. She is just thankful for Mundreon's quick helping hand and for his heated seats once they were on solid ground, warming up inside his vehicle.

Mundreon stuck around until first responders arrived and paramedics were able to treat Smith.

Smith, who got more than she bargained for after a Boxing Day shopping trip, said she simply feels some soreness from the seatbelt, but otherwise is not injured after the accident. Her Mustang, however, is significantly damaged and was able to see the full extent after she returned to a salvage yard to retrieve her items from the car.

The incident has her feeling more cautious, and she plans to carry scissors and something to smash the car window in case she needs to make a quick exit from her next vehicle.

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