LEHIGH ACRES, FL – A routine evening drive took a dangerous turn when a car veered off the road and plunged into a canal in Lehigh Acres. The incident occurred along 37th Street Southwest, near Sunshine Boulevard, leaving residents both shocked and concerned.
The crash was witnessed by a local homeowner who was on a phone call with her husband when she heard a loud noise. Stepping outside, she saw the vehicle submerged in the canal and immediately dialed 911 for assistance. The driver, reportedly shaken but unharmed, managed to escape the vehicle by climbing through the canal.
Lee County deputies reported that the driver hit a road sign before the car skidded into the ditch. The vehicle sustained minor damage and was subsequently towed from the scene. This incident marks the third time this month that a car has ended up in a canal in the area, raising concerns among residents.
Earlier crashes included one on Williams Avenue near Lee Boulevard on December 5, where a person was rushed to the hospital, and another on Centennial Boulevard on November 19. In both cases, the outcomes varied, but the frequency of such accidents has residents urging drivers to be more vigilant.
Longtime locals are now calling for greater caution among drivers, emphasizing the importance of staying attentive on the road, especially near the canals that line many of the streets in the area. “Just take your time driving,” advised one resident, echoing the community’s growing apprehension.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office concluded their investigation by determining that the driver was at fault in the latest crash. This has sparked discussions about potential measures to prevent future incidents, though no official plans have been announced yet.
As the community grapples with the recurring issue, the hope is that heightened awareness and caution will help avert further accidents, ensuring the safety of both drivers and residents in Lehigh Acres.