Driver Found Dead in Park Pond Crash in Des Moines

KCCI.com

Tools

By Belinda Yeung

Story Created: Sep 3, 2012 at 10:41 AM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 3, 2012 at 1:08 PM CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines rescue crews responded to a water rescue call at Water Works Park Monday morning.

Spokesman Brian O'Keefe said a driver reported a car in the water to 911 at 7 a.m.

Officers found the car partially submerged in a small run-off pond.
Police said the driver, later identified as Mang Chan, 23, was still in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger, Van To, 28, had to be helped out of the car and was taken to Methodist Medical Center.

Police said Van To suffered a broken arm and other minor injuries.
A water rescue boat with extrication tools was needed to deal with the severely damaged vehicle.

Police said the car was traveling southbound through the park when it hit a cement structure and went into the pond.

A Hazmat team was called to deal with the fuels and oils released into the pond.

The crash remains under investigation.