Carmel IN -Tonight at approximately 9:30 pm the Carmel Police and Fire Departments responded to a vehicle that crashed into a retaining pond on the North West corner of 141^st Street and Towne Road.  The initial report came from a 911 call made by the driver of the vehicle.  When officers arrived the vehicle was completely submerged.  Additional units from surrounding agencies arrived to assist with the rescue effort.  Four females were later removed from the vehicle and transported to area hospitals in critical condition. 

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 47 year old Batul Abbas of Carmel.  The three other subjects in the vehicle were her children ages 18, 14, and 8.  

Based on information gathered at the scene, we believe the vehicle was traveling East Bound on 141^st Street when it lost control and slid off the North Side of the roadway and into the retaining pond.  We also believe that the icy weather conditions played a factor in this accident.

Assisting Agencies:  Fishers Fire Department and Dive Team, Indianapolis Fire Department and Dive Team, Zionsville Fire Department, Westfield Fire Department, and Hamilton County Sheriffs Department.