Heroic Bystanders Dive into Frigid Waters to Rescue Woman and Four Children After Car Plunges into Canal

TOLLESON, Ariz. — A woman and her four children were rescued from a sinking car in a Phoenix canal, thanks to the quick actions of several good Samaritans. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon near 95th Avenue and McDowell Road.

Witnesses reported that the mother swerved to avoid another vehicle, crashing through a barrier before landing in the water. Destina Trevino, who heard the crash while taking out the trash, described it as a “big boom.” Upon looking over, she saw the distressing scene: a car floating in the canal with the mother holding one child out of a window as water rapidly filled the vehicle.

Trevino immediately jumped into the canal, only to find the water colder and the currents stronger than anticipated. With one window open, the mother was frantically passing her children to Trevino, who noted the urgency of the situation as the water rose quickly inside the car.

Stephen Peers, who was skateboarding nearby, also leaped into action after witnessing the chaos. “I saw the kids and thought someone needs to get in the damn water,” he recalled. He, too, faced challenges as he struggled to ensure the safety of one of the children.

Despite the difficult conditions, both Trevino and Peers managed to pull the children to safety. The last child proved the most challenging to rescue, with Trevino expressing concern as she watched the girl’s face go underwater at one point.

Emergency responders, including the Phoenix and Tolleson fire departments and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, arrived to assist. They towed the SUV from the canal and will investigate the cause of the crash. Luckily, aside from some minor cuts and scrapes, everyone emerged unscathed.

Reflecting on the incident, Peers expressed gratitude for the outcome. “We were seconds away from it not being so great,” he said. Trevino received heartfelt thanks from the mother’s sister, underscoring the emotional impact of the rescue, especially during the holiday season.