This incident occurred just after noon today when the Palatine Fire Department received a call about a car submerged in a pond on the Harper College campus. When emergency responders arrived, they found only the roof of the vehicle visible above the water, with the passenger door wide open. Divers quickly entered the water and located a woman inside the car. She was swiftly brought to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, but unfortunately, she was later pronounced dead. You can read more about this tragic event in the Chicago Tribune's coverage [here] and the Daily Herald's article [here].
Attached is an image showing the pond on the north side of the Harper College campus where the car was found submerged, captured by photographer Larry Shapiro. Beneath the image, the caption reads, “The pond on the north side of the Harper College campus where a car was found submerged. Larry Shapiro photo.â€
Following the initial discovery, fire department divers from Palatine, Hoffman Estates, and Schaumburg conducted an extensive search of the area to ensure no other individuals were trapped inside the vehicle when it entered the water. Backup teams from Elk Grove, Arlington Heights, and Mt. Prospect were also present, prepared to assist if needed. After helping the police with their investigation, which included taking measurements, divers secured the car so it could be hoisted out of the water using a winching system.
Another photograph, taken by Larry Shapiro, shows a backup diver standing by, ready to enter the water should the primary diver require assistance during the search process. This image highlights the level of preparedness and teamwork involved in such rescues. The accompanying caption states, “A backup diver is ready to enter the water if the primary diver requires assistance while searching the pond at Harper College for additional victims. Larry Shapiro photo.â€
According to information provided on the Harper College website, the incident took place shortly before noon on Thursday, March 24, 2011. A car was discovered submerged in a pond adjacent to Parking Lot 12. Divers successfully recovered one female occupant who was transported to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights but passed away upon arrival. The identity of the victim remains undisclosed, and the investigation is being managed jointly by the Harper College Police Department, the Palatine Police Department, and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Larry Shapiro was present at the scene and contributed numerous photographs along with a video documenting the car retrieval process. A comprehensive gallery of images from the event can be viewed [here]. Another striking photograph shows a diver walking along the shoreline as others are submerged, systematically searching the area for potential additional victims. The caption for this image reads, “One diver walks the shore as two are submerged checking the area for additional victims. Larry Shapiro photo.â€
Further images depict the meticulous post-rescue procedures undertaken to ensure the safety of all personnel involved. For instance, a picture captures Palatine Engine 84 supplying water to the Division 1 Decon unit, emphasizing the importance of decontamination after exposure to potentially hazardous conditions. Each diver underwent processing through these decon showers to prevent any health risks. Another shot reveals the Saturn sedan being carefully winched out of the pond by Redmons Towing, highlighting the technical aspects of the recovery operation.
Finally, an embedded video object is included, though it currently lacks the necessary media file details to play. This video likely complements the still images, offering viewers a dynamic perspective of the entire rescue and recovery effort. Overall, this series of events underscores the dedication and professionalism displayed by first responders and support staff alike in managing such critical situations.
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