AMERICUS, GA — A bystander reported a car accident near Hooks Mill Road and Indian Road with suspected entrapment on February 8th, prompting Sumter County Fire Rescue, to respond. The department's dive squad was called in when the first responding teams discovered a car half submerged in Philema Pond.

While firefighters guarded the area and worked with law authorities, a diver ventured into the frigid water to search. Responders concluded that the driver had self-extricated and gone before they arrived after thoroughly inspecting the scene. A nearby towing company later removed the car. There were no further recorded injuries, and one diver suffered from minor hypothermia.