Good Samaritans rescue driver after minivan plunges into river

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — The driver of a minivan that plunged off a bridge into the Indian River on Saturday was rescued with the help of some Good Samaritans who were nearby.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the Nissan Quest was traveling at a high rate of speed on a bumpy dirt road adjacent to the bridge and crashed into the water, the minivan submerging.

"I was fishing and was standing next to the car when he began accelerating," said Frankie Maldonado, 38, of Kissimmee.

The driver nearly struck a 7-year-old boy who was fishing.

Philipp Mehlenbacher, 37, of Winter Garden had arrived at the fishing area with his wife, Melissa, and two sons, Scott and Skyler, about 20 minutes earlier.

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"The driver came hauling through," Mehlenbacher said. "It definitely wasn't an accident."

His eldest son, Scott, 7, was fishing within a short distance of the minivan's path.

"I almost lost my son," Mehlenbacher said.

But Mehlenbacher stripped down to his underwear and dove into the river, which was about 12 feet deep. Maldonado also dove into the water.

A boater was in the vicinity and aided the swimmers by providing an anchor. Mehlenbacher grabbed the anchor, smashing the rear passenger window of the van so that the driver could escape.

"He was fighting with us the whole time," Mehlenbacher said. "The van was literally underwater when I felt him trying to struggle. I grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him out."

The driver's identity was not available Saturday.

Follow Lamaur Stancil on Twitter: @TCPalmLStancil