Police: Two teens crash into pond in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Two teens crashed into a pond in Springfield early Wednesday morning, deputies say.

Deputies were called out to the area of Toronto Rd. and North Lake Rd. around 1:15 a.m. for a call about a vehicle in the water.

After searching for about 35 minutes, the vehicle was located in a pond in the 5800 block of North Lake Road.

The vehicle was not fully submerged.

A 19-year-old male had already made it outside of the vehicle.

An 18-year-old male was partially inside the vehicle and unresponsive.

"One of the occupants of the vehicle managed to get out the driver of the vehicle when they were trying to get out of the vehicle got stuck and was unresponsive when law enforcement officers found it," said Chief Anthony Mayfield with the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office.

The 18-year-old was transported to Saint John’s Hospital with life threatening injuries.

Deputies said initial reports indicate the vehicle was traveling west on Toronto Road. In approximately the 200 block of Toronto Road, the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lanes and left the roadway, they said. They believe the vehicle went about 2000 feet through a field before going into the pond.

Lincoln Land Community College PD, University of Illinois – Springfield PD, Southern View PD, Springfield PD, Leland Grove PD, and Illinois State Police all assisted in the search.

The crash is still under investigation.

Mayfield says he wants to remind people as the weather gets warmer to remember safe driving.

"Obviously we want people to go out and have a good time and enjoy themselves. But a big thing to remember is if you're drink and drive...make sure that you have a designated driver. You know with this time of year with the rainy season coming on, there's gonna be a lot more rain on the roadway so we have to be careful about you know, making sure that we don't you know, drive through any any deep waters," Mayfield said.