Woman Confuses Brake With Accelerator, Drives Car Into Swimming Pool With 5-Year-Old Daughter Inside

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A frightening incident unfolded at a swimming facility in southern France when a vehicle unexpectedly plunged into an indoor pool. A 38-year-old woman accidentally drove her car, with her young daughter inside, directly into the water after apparently mistaking the accelerator pedal for the brake.

The dramatic accident occurred on Thursday, December 11, at approximately 9 pm at the Paul-Eluard Municipal Swimming Pool in La Ciotat. The vehicle crashed through a glass barrier before ending up submerged in the pool.

Local authorities investigating the incident believe the driver inadvertently pressed the accelerator instead of the brake while navigating the parking area, causing the vehicle to surge forward uncontrollably.

Fortunately, two alert lifeguards were on duty at the time. They, along with another bystander, sprang into action immediately upon witnessing the car crash into the water. The quick-thinking rescuers dove into the pool without hesitation to assist the occupants.

Thanks to their prompt response, both the woman and her 5-year-old daughter were safely extracted from the submerged vehicle. Officials confirmed that neither sustained serious physical injuries in the accident.

Emergency services, including the fire department and both national and municipal police, rapidly arrived at the scene to secure the area and provide additional assistance.

City administrators announced that the swimming facility would remain closed for several weeks while the vehicle is removed and necessary repairs are completed to the damaged structure.

Following the incident, the mother and daughter were transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. While physically unharmed, medical professionals noted that both individuals were experiencing shock from the traumatic event.