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Car Flies Into Crowded Santa Rosa Swimming Pool, Triathlete Rescues Driver

SANTA ROSA (CBS SF) -- A driver whose brakes apparently failed crashed through a fence, hit a ladder, and then finally drove her car into a crowded health club swimming pool before being pulled to safety by a triathlete Friday.

The crash happened just after 11 a.m. as a masters swimming group was warming up at the Airport Health Club.

Witnesses on scene tell CBS SF that the Lexus careened into the water, landing on its side just inches away from the athletes.  Many swimmers suffered cuts and minor injuries from the flying vehicle and debris.

A triathlete on scene was able to break the older woman's window and rescue her.

Lexus in Pool
Lexus lands in Santa Rosa health club swimming pool, March 13th, 2015. (Photo courtesy Susan Gleason)

"I just heard this crash and felt something hit my back and I turned around and looked and there was a car in the pool!" 85-year-old Dick Lewis told the Press Democrat.

The car has been removed and authorities are investigating.

 

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