Driver Rescued From Lake Phalen Crash

Bystanders pulled a driver from a submerged vehicle in St. Paul's Lake Phalen on Monday afternoon.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Emergency Response

A vehicle crashed and went underwater in Lake Phalen in St. Paul on Monday afternoon. Bystanders pulled the driver from the water, and he was taken to Regions Hospital for treatment.

Why it matters

The incident required coordinated response from bystanders, St. Paul firefighters and the Ramsey County dive team, who checked the submerged vehicle for other occupants. It highlights the rapid response needed when vehicles enter open water in the St. Paul area.

Responders recovered one driver from the water and transported him to Regions Hospital, with the dive team searching the vehicle for additional occupants. The cause of the crash remains unknown and has not been publicly determined.

The players

Ramsey County Dive Team

The Ramsey County dive team is a specialized water-rescue unit that searches submerged areas and vehicles for victims.

St. Paul Fire Department

The St. Paul Fire Department is the municipal agency that responds to fires, vehicle emergencies and water rescues within the city.

The details

A vehicle went into Lake Phalen on Monday afternoon, and bystanders pulled the driver from the water before St. Paul firefighters and the Ramsey County dive team arrived. The dive team responded to confirm that no other people were inside the submerged vehicle.

Monday afternoon, November 9, 2026: vehicle crashes into Lake Phalen and goes underwater.

Seasonal Patterns

Vehicles entering lakes in late autumn present added risk because water temperatures drop quickly after November, shortening the window for bystander rescue. Water-rescue teams such as the Ramsey County dive team routinely plan for cold-water conditions during this season.

If you witness a vehicle entering water, call 911 immediately and do not enter the water unless it is safe to do so. Bystanders who attempt rescues should avoid cold water and keep a safe distance from submerged vehicles.

The takeaway

Fast bystander action and coordinated dive-team response can make the difference in vehicle-into-water emergencies. Drivers should keep windows and doors functional and know how to exit a vehicle quickly.