An incredible rescue by two men, who happened to be in the area, likely saved the life of a man in Wayne County.
In 30 years as a plow driver, Scott Flora, of the Town of Williamson, said he’s never seen anything like what happened Saturday (2/13) morning. Flora was out around five o’clock, plowing the roads. Just 10 minutes later, on his way back, he found something in Lake Ontario.
“I was just making a second pass in Pultneyville on Washington Street, approaching Jay Street when I saw some tail lights in the water,” he said.
Flora pulled his plow over, called 911 and went over to help. He found a car in the icy water, and Kevin Piatt, age 25, of Bear Creek Road, Ontario outside on the shore line.
“He was barely up on the shore, and had a very severe lower leg injury. I think his leg got stuck between the car and the rocks on the shoreline while the surf was moving the car,” said Flora.
Flora says it was very cold.
Piatt was soaking wet and not wearing any shoes. As he was trying to help him get out of the water and closer to the road, another driver stopped by.
“It was icy, you know, the mist from the lake was freezing on the shore line. And it was kind of tough to get footing there. But the help that came by was invaluable,” said Flora.
“The gentleman was even more fortunate because another gentleman that we know, that’s local around here, Jared Vankouwenberg, stopped and they got him out off the lakeshore into Jared’s truck, said Kurt Callman, Williamson Highway Superintendent. “Scott gave him his coat he had in his dump truck to help warm him up.”
“This young man would not be alive today if it weren’t for these two men,” said Peter DeNagel, 2nd Assistant Chief for Pultneyville Fire Department.
Pultneyville Fire, along with Williamson Ambulance and NYS Troopers, responded to the scene along with the Williamson DOT and several Good Samaritans who were nearby.
Flora doesn’t consider himself a hero. He called what happened “perfect timing” and said the whole situation was just meant to be.
Within 12 hours, Piatt’s car was buried under the ice and snow by four to five foot swells. NYS troopers say they won’t be able to get it out of the lake until the weather gets a little warmer.
According to police, Piatt was northbound on Jay Street and failed to stop, his Subaru car plunging over the edge into Lake Ontario.
He was subsequently ticketed for Failure to Stop for a Stop Sign and Unreasonable Speed.
Report/picture courtesy of news partner 13WHAM-TV
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