WEST TEXAS

Texan, 67, Rescued after Wheelchair Goes into Concho River

A West Texas woman has been rescued from the Concho River after her motorized wheelchair malfunctioned, went off a 6-foot bank and both fell into the water.

San Angelo police Officer Tracy Gonzalez said Wednesday that the 67-year-old woman, whose name wasn't released, was treated for injuries not believed to be life-threatening. Officials aren't sure what caused her wheelchair to veer off a path Tuesday afternoon near her home.

A man walking nearby saw the woman fall and called 911.

Assistant Fire Chief Todd Sanford said the woman barely had her head above the 3-foot-deep water. A police officer went into the river to stabilize her. Firefighters used a ladder and basket to haul her out on a mild day with temperatures in the 60s.

Firefighters also retrieved her wheelchair.

Copyright The Associated Press
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