On the night of December 20 to 21 in Puteaux, a car with two young people on board fell into the Seine, causing their death. While such an accident leaves very little time to act, Dr. Kierzek shares the essential actions that can save lives when a vehicle becomes submerged.
A sudden accident in the middle of the Seine in Puteaux
On the night of Saturday December 20 to Sunday December 21, 2025, a young man aged 25 and a young woman aged 27 lost their lives after their car fell into the Seine, in Puteaux (Hauts-de-Seine).
According to the first elements of the investigation, the vehicle initially parked on Allée de l’Écluse suddenly found itself immersed in the river for reasons still unknown. Divers from the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) located and extracted the two occupants, but despite the rapid intervention of emergency services, they were not resuscitated.
This tragedy reminds us that when a car falls into water, every second counts, and knowing how to react immediately can make all the difference.
Good reflexes to survive a submerged car
An immersion accident is an extremely stressful scenario where you must remain calm to maximize your chances of survival. According to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical:
In this type of situation, “In the event of a car accident submerged in water, remain calm as the vehicle floats for approximately 30-60 seconds before completely sinking, providing valuable time to act“.
Here are the essential steps to take immediately:
- Unfasten your seat belt (as well as those of passengers);
- Open the electric windows without delay: they often still work a few moments after the impact;
- If the windows do not open, break a side window: to do this, use an emergency tool (window breaker hammer or headrest rod);
- Do not immediately call for help before you are out – this wastes valuable time;
- Never try to open the door: the pressure of the water makes this maneuver practically impossible and slows down your exit;
- Once out of the vehicle, swim towards the surface or a calmer area, taking into account the current.
As Dr. Kierzek reminds us: “turn on the hazard lights to signal your position, exit through the open window without opening the door… And once you are outside, dial 18 or 112“.
What you should definitely not do after an immersion
Faced with shock and rising water, certain instinctive reflexes can be dangerous. Dr. Kierzek warns against the following mistakes:
- Do not try to force open a door full of water: this delays evacuation and can cause unnecessary panic;
- Do not attempt to break the front windshield: it is very difficult to break, which wastes valuable time;
- Avoid any mechanical action such as pressing the accelerator or trying to brake once submerged: these actions do not contribute to your exit.