Norwich ― One man sustained non-life threatening injuries on Thursday after his vehicle plunged into the Shetucket River.

The crash occurred at about 5:30 a.m. and the vehicle appears to have driven through a fence at the intersection of Water Street, Laurel Hill Avenue and New Wharf Drive. The vehicle went down an embankment, past the railroad tracks and into the water.

Police said the driver was able to get out of his vehicle on his own and made it to the banks of the river near New Wharf Road. He was taken by ambulance to Backus Hospital for an evaluation of his injuries. Police said he was conscious and alert at the time.

Norwich Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Dziavit said the Providence and Worcester Railroad was temporarily shut down while crews worked in the area. A local dive team composed of volunteer firefighters attempted to locate the submerged vehicle but were hampered by low visibility and strong currents. The vehicle remained submerged under about 27 feet of water.