Accident scene today along I-94 near Michigan City (State Police photo)

A driver who lost control of his vehicle and rolled-over into a water filled ditch was saved by a Good Samaritan, said Indiana State Police PI Sgt. Ann Wojas.

Early Tuesday morning at approximately 6:10 a.m., Ernesto R. Soto, 49 of Gary, was east bound on I-94 in the right lane when he lost control of his 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier on black ice.

The Chevrolet went off the roadway, down the embankment, rolling-over into the water filled south ditch at the 32 mile marker (this is approximately two miles west of the U.S. 421/Michigan City exit).

The car landed upside down onto its’ roof submerged in chest deep water.

Soto was hanging upside down from his seat belt. He was able to undo his seat belt and crawl into the back seat where he found a pocket of air in the water filled car.

Leonard T. Roach of Villa Park, Ill., was traveling behind Soto in his semi-tractor trailer and saw the crash happen.

Roach was able to stop and run down the embankment to Soto’s vehicle and began searching for him. Roach located Soto in the back seat and was able to pry open the back door and rescue him.

The 2001 Chevrolet was totaled.

Neither Roach nor Soto was injured.

Black ice is a thin coating of glazed ice on the surface of the roadway. It’s transparent and is difficult to see. Bridges and overpasses can be especially dangerous. Black ice is one of the winter hazards that can not be overcome.

Wojas reminded drivers to please be careful driving and always wear your seat belt.

Posted 2/19/2008