Mother and two young daughters rescued after swollen river traps car

A mother and her young daughter and baby had a lucky escape after their car was trapped in a river swollen by heavy rain in Co Derry.

They were rescued from the River Moyola near Draperstown yesterday evening.

The mother had managed to get out of the car and reached a metal footbridge with her two young children, but they were stuck there until the emergency services arrived.

Fire crews from Magherafelt and Maghera arrived at the scene. District Commander Mark Watson said they were able to reach the footbridge and carry the mother and her two daughters (aged 15 weeks and six years) to safety.

The three were unharmed, but were taken to hospital as a precaution.