Indianapolis, IN – A car that got stuck on a frozen river in Indiana will have to remain underwater until spring after recovery efforts failed. The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) attempted to retrieve the vehicle on Monday, but the icy conditions made it impossible to pull the car back to shore.
The car was originally left on top of the ice at 2600 N White River Parkway E Dr. before it broke through and became partially submerged. IFD Tactical Team 14 responded to the scene to help recover the vehicle, but the situation quickly became more challenging. The vehicle had fallen into a large hole in the ice, making it even harder to retrieve.
Rescue Efforts Fail
Firefighters carefully made their way across the frozen river, working to attach towing equipment and pull the car back to shore. However, the ice was unstable, and as they worked, the car sank deeper into the water. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, the fire department decided they would have to abandon the recovery effort for now.
“We will have to go back in the spring,” the Indianapolis Fire Department stated. They plan to return once the ice has melted and conditions are safer for retrieval.
Warning: No Ice is Safe Ice
While on the scene, rescue teams noticed that several people had been on the frozen river. They found bike tracks and messages written on the ice, indicating that some individuals had been walking or playing near the area.
The Indianapolis Fire Department issued a strong warning about the dangers of frozen bodies of water in the state.
“We can’t stress this enough. In Indiana – no ice is safe ice. Stay off it,” the department cautioned.
Even though ice may look solid, it can be unpredictable and dangerous. Walking or driving on frozen rivers and lakes can lead to accidents, injuries, or even death if the ice breaks. Authorities are urging residents to stay away from frozen water surfaces to avoid tragic incidents.
What’s Next?
For now, the car remains trapped under the ice, and retrieval efforts will resume when warmer temperatures return. In the meantime, emergency responders continue to remind the public about ice safety and the importance of staying off frozen water surfaces.
