Woman 'lucky to be alive' after car swept into river
Last updated 6th Feb 2026
A motorist is said to be "extemely lucky not to be seriously injured or killed", after their car was reportedly washed into the Whiteadder Water last night (Thursday), while attempting to cross Bluestone Ford in Berwickshire.
The Audi remains trapped at a weir in the river this morning, after being swept several hundred metres down stream.
Locals say it's not the first time this has happened.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video from the scene...
Reflecting on an earlier incident, one man told us: "We came down here and there was a lady in the car and she'd got washed off and it took the fire brigade and water rescue to recover her. It was quite frightening really.
"The river comes up quite quick so people, when they're at the top of the road, think: 'Oh, it's alright.'
"But, it's not uncommon for folks to be saying: 'There's been a van washed off' and regular people asking: 'Is it safe to cross?' Well, in the summer it might be but, at this time of year? I wouldn't."
Dramatic footage has emerged of the car involved in the latest incident with its driver side window down and lights still on.
A number plate belonging to another vehicle sits at the entrance to the ford.
Berwickshire councillor James Anderson is warning motorists to avoid the crossing - between Chirnside and Hutton - when the river's high.
He said: "This driver was extremely lucky not to be seriously injured or killed.
"Please do not take risks if you are not familiar with the dangers of crossing fords."
Emergency services were called out after the alarm was raised around 5.45pm last night.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of a car in the water at Bluestane Ford off the B6437 near Chirnside.
“Emergency services attended and the female driver was checked over by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“The vehicle will be recovered in due course.”
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