A routine morning at a residential construction site in Cape Coral, Florida, turned into an unexpected spectacle Tuesday after a construction truck rolled into a canal, ending up halfway submerged in the water.
The incident occurred near Northeast 12th Court and Northeast 3rd Terrace, where a new home is currently under construction. Homeowner Chris Eriksen, who had recently returned from New York, said he was unaware anything was wrong until a neighbor alerted him.
“I did not know when you knocked on my door and told me there was something in the canal. I had no idea what you were talking about,” Eriksen said.
The truck was operated by Yaky Trucking Company and was working close to the seawall at the site. According to a company employee, the driver was navigating a tight construction area that required multiple turns to maneuver safely.
During one of those maneuvers, the driver attempted to brake, but the truck’s compressed air braking system failed to respond properly, causing the vehicle to roll backward and into the canal.
Eriksen, who has watched the home take shape over the past several months, said the incident stood out as an unexpected twist in the construction process.
“A year ago, it was an empty lot. They started building that house probably mid summer, and so you watch it, you know, as it progresses. And you know, it's a big house, we watch the pool go in and all, and this is a major curve ball,” Eriksen said.
Despite the startling scene, Eriksen said he couldn’t help but laugh when he saw the truck sitting in the water.
“I saw the truck in the water and just chuckled. I wished I had seen it go in, but I missed that. You don't see this every day,” Eriksen said.
Three tow trucks were ultimately brought in to remove the vehicle from the canal. Eriksen captured photos and video of the recovery and shared them with family members.
“I got it on camera. I took pictures. I'm going to send them up north. My wife is up north, still with our grandchildren, and she's laughing. My son is laughing,” Eriksen said.
No injuries were reported, and officials did not indicate whether the incident caused damage to the canal or nearby property. The construction project is expected to continue following the truck’s removal.
Originally reported by Victoria Quevedo in Channel 3000.
