Elderly Swampscott woman rescued from precarious perch

SWAMPSCOTT – Firefighters on Tuesday rescued an elderly woman trapped in a car precariously perched on a steep embankment.Swampscott Fire Department Acting Captain Remo Zimbaldi said 78-year-old Barbara Abramson drove her 2004 Toyota Camry through her garage at 100 Vantage Terrace, across a driveway and down a steep embankment at approximately 9:04 a.m.”She was trapped in the vehicle,” Zimbaldi said. “The car was at a 60-degree angle on a 12 to 14-foot embankment. Firefighters secured the vehicle with a rope. She was stabilized by firefighters then they used a ground ladder, Stokes stretcher and ropes to extricate her. The Swampscott engine and ladder did a great job with this rescue.”On Wednesday afternoon, Abramson said she was grateful she escaped serious injury in the mishap.”I’m fine,” she said. “I spent most of the day in the hospital on Tuesday but nothing was broken. I just had some bumps and bruises. I was in a very dangerous situation and I was lucky the firefighters got me out. It was very dangerous for them to get me out and they were all just wonderful. I’m lucky I’m here to talk about it.”Detective James Schultz said Abramson told police the accident was due to a mechanical malfunction.”She reports the vehicle accelerated, went through the guardrail and down the embankment,” he said. “She was alone in the vehicle at the time and no citations were issued. It’s still under investigation.”Abramson said she was at a loss to explain what happened.”My car just took off,” she said. “It was a terrible experience and I miss my car. I really loved my car and never had trouble with it. I was sad I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to my car but at least I’m here.”Acting Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Breen said she was conscious and alert when firefighters arrived at the scene. She was transported to Salem Hospital.