River rescue drama as car plunges 30ft at Kirkfieldbank, Lanarkshire

A COUPLE had a miraculous escape yesterday after their car crashed through railings and plunged 30ft down a near vertical slope into the River Clyde.

The man and woman managed to struggle free from the partially submerged vehicle at Kirkfieldbank, Lanarkshire, but found themselves trapped on the river bank at the bottom of a steep and treacherous slope close to fast-flowing water.

They were rescued by firefighters who used ropes to carry stretchers to the scene and provided initial trauma care.

The couple were taken by ambulance to Wishaw General Hospital where they were described as suffering from minor injuries.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue (SFR) Group Commander Stephen McGrath said: “This was a technically difficult rescue. But thanks to some great team work the incident has been resolved safely and efficiently.”