FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A 23-year-old woman used a window-break tool to escape her car after she drove into the Delaware and Raritan Canal in Somerset County on Thursday night.
Sara Goyal called 911 just before 11 p.m., saying she was trapped in her vehicle, according to the Franklin Township Police Department.
Goyal, of Franklin, received guidance from dispatcher Ryan Howarth, who instructed her on how to shatter a window and free herself.
According to police, the device and Howarth's "clear, life-saving directions" allowed Goyal to escape from her car and swim to the embankment as her car started to float north.
Goyal was rescued by police officers Brian Quigley, Lauren Gregory and Keshawn James. She was treated for minor injuries and released at the scene.
In a statement, Public Safety Director Quovella Maeweather praised Goyal "for her courage and calmness during this emergency."
"She was prepared with a window-break tool, something I suggest to all drivers on the roadway," she said. "Dispatcher Howarth's decisive, skillful, and convincing actions prevented a tragedy."
The factors leading up to the incident are currently under investigation by the department.



