Bystanders rescue tourists after van drives into Amsterdam canal

A van with nine tourists in it drove into a canal in Amsterdam Saturday afternoon around 12:10 p.m. An Amsterdammer helped rescue the passengers from the Prinsengracht before the fire brigade arrived.

Amsterdam resident Jasper Berden was about to eat lunch when he heard a splash and screams outside his window. "I looked out the window and saw the van in the water with all the people jumping into the water and coming to the rescue. Fortunately, I was soon able to make sure everyone got out of the car safely, but it could have been a lot worse," the 29-year-old told AT5.

The van probably drove into the water while parking, according to the police. Bystanders quickly rallied to help and divers from the fire department also seached for passengers.

Everyone was rescued and two of the van's occupants were hospitalized with minor injuries, according to AT5. The fire brigade had to tow the bus out of the water.