Residents came to the rescue of the driver of a vehicle that crashed through the ice of the Rideau River in south Ottawa, using kayaks to save her from the sinking vehicle.

Emergency crews responded to the incident on the Rideau River in the Old Mill Way area near White Horse Park in Manotick around 4.30pm on Sunday.

Witnesses tell CTV News Ottawa that a car traveling on the frozen river broke through the ice and fell into cold water on Sunday afternoon.

A photo showed the driver standing on top of the vehicle as it sank into the water.

Residents who live along the Rideau River came to the driver’s rescue, using a kayak to transport them safely from the ice hole to the shore.

Video sent to Newstalk 580’s The Morning Rush with Bill Carroll shows the driver clutching a kayak and residents using a rope to pull it to safety.

Paramedics say the driver of the vehicle refused to seek treatment at the scene.

In a statement on Sunday evening, Ottawa police said officers responded to the scene around 4:30 p.m. to investigate a vehicle partially submerged in ice.

Police say the driver has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code of Canada.

“The vehicle is still in the river and could pose a hazard to onlookers venturing onto the ice,” police said in a statement.

A video shared with CTV News Ottawa by Sacha Gera showed a yellow vehicle driving down the Rideau River shortly before breaking through the ice.

The Ottawa Police Marine Dive Team tweeted that a vehicle went through the ice at the south end.

“Thankfully no injuries and an amazing job by local residents who rescued the driver using a kayak and thinking quickly about safety,” police said.

“Another reminder that ‘No Ice Is Safe Ice. Please exercise extreme caution this winter season.’