MELBOURNE, Fla. – A man was pulled from the Indian River just east of U.S. 1 in Melbourne after authorities said one of his tires apparently blew out.
Several passersby traveling westbound on the Pineda Causeway spotted the white vehicle as it veered off the roadway and onto a grassy mound before rolling into the river at about 12:45 p.m. Monday.
The unidentified man behind the wheel was pulled from the vehicle, treated by Brevard County Fire-Rescue paramedics and then taken to Viera Hospital. There were no reports of any other passengers.
"Witnesses said it may have been a blown tire that caused it," said Brevard County sheriff's Deputy Chris Parsons.
Several witnesses also assisted in pulling the man from the water. There were no major traffic delays to report on the causeway.
A thin oil sheen was seen coming from the partially submerged car.
The Florida Highway Patrol will investigate.