Horror as pensioner dies after car plunges into Devon river

A man in his 80s has died after his car plunged into the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon, earlier today.

Emergency services were alerted at approximately 8.40am, following reports that a vehicle had entered the river near the Dartmouth Lifeboat Centre.

In response, police, coastguards, and other emergency teams arrived swiftly, with divers seen preparing to enter the water to assist with the recovery operation.

The incident led to the shortening of Dartmouth’s Remembrance parade, and a large section of the South Embankment area was cordoned off for public safety, remaining closed throughout the day.

The vehicle’s sole occupant, a man who has not yet been identified, was reportedly trapped and severely injured. Although emergency crews acted quickly, his injuries proved fatal.

The coastguard helicopter, fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles were spotted in the vicinity, underscoring the scale of the rescue operation.

Video footage captured divers donning wetsuits and diving equipment. Locals later reported seeing them enter the water to recover the vehicle and search for possible additional casualties.

By evening, officials confirmed that the car had been recovered from the river, but details surrounding the cause of the accident remain unclear.

Devon and Cornwall Police have asked the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues, and cordons are expected to stay in place for much of the day.

They are currently working to locate the next of kin, urging those present at the scene to respect privacy and avoid publishing any details that could reveal the vehicle’s identity.

In a statement issued before the man’s death, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Emergency services are currently at the scene on the south Embankment, Dartmouth, following reports of a car in the water.

“Police were notified at around 8.40am this morning, Sunday 10 November, to reports that a car had plunged into the water opposite the Dartmouth Lifeboat Centre.

“Officers and other emergency crews were swiftly deployed and are at the scene.

“One person, who was the sole occupant, is believed to be seriously injured. The embankment area has been closed and cordons are expected to be in place for much of the day.

“The public is being asked to avoid the area at this time.

“Next of kin are not known and being sought. Please be mindful of this if at the scene and avoid publishing identifiable factors of vehicle.”