In a recent morning while driving to the gym, Jansen Simpson witnessed a car launching off the Draveurs Bridge through the corner of his eye. Upon reversing his van, he discovered a gold-colored car perched upright on the ice below the Gatineau River, having flown over a snow embankment from the bridge’s railings. Initially fearing a fatal crash due to deployed airbags and scattered debris, Simpson was amazed when a young man emerged from the car’s sunroof.
Simpson, a 40-year-old roofer from Chelsea, Quebec, was prepared to rescue the man by gearing up with safety ropes and harnesses. Luckily, the driver managed to walk and began heading towards the shore. Despite being cold and limping, Simpson assisted the man up the frozen riverbank to safety.
Upon the arrival of emergency responders, Simpson recounted their disbelief at the miraculous survival of the driver. The incident, captured by a traffic camera, showed the vehicle clipping another car before careening towards the bridge railing and plunging off the edge.
The event took place on a dry road surface on January 4, 2026, as confirmed by Transports Québec. While no charges have been filed yet, an investigation by Quebec police is underway. Despite appearing uninjured, the driver was taken to the hospital for observation.
After the rescue, Simpson humorously remarked that he continued on his way to the gym, emphasizing the importance of not skipping leg day.