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UPDATE: Driver escapes after car goes off bridge over Clarks Hill Lake

Posted: 8:54 AM Aug 10, 2012
Reporter: Staff

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Friday, Aug. 10, 2012

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ga. -- A young woman was able to escape from her car after crashing into the water Friday morning.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office got the call at 10:13 a.m. to Little River Bridge over Clarks Hill Lake, which separates Lincoln from Columbia County.

Emily Hinson, 20, was headed toward Augusta in a dark-colored PT Cruiser when she somehow lost control of the car, hit the guardrail and the car went airborne into the water. She is said to be doing OK but has some head injuries.

Deputies say she rolled down the windows, let the water come in and swam out. She was the only one in the car.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia State Patrol and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office were all out at the scene.

Lincoln County deputies say they've never dealt with a submerged car like this and are calling it a learning experience for everyone.

Crews don't think traffic is going to be blocked. They're telling drivers to slow down around the area.