Woman survives plunge into lake

VONORE - A Greenback woman jumped or fell into Tellico Lake about 3:45 p.m. Wednesday after her vehicle crashed into the bridge on Highway 411 South in Vonore.

Amy Kennedy, 41, of Greenback was very lucky to survive the 65-foot drop to the water, according to Vonore fire chief Steve Wheeler. Kennedy was able to swim to the shore, Wheeler said.

The right front tire of Kennedy's vehicle was blown out, possibly causing the car to strike the bridge, he said. Wheeler said she climbed out the passenger side window and either jumped or accidently fell into the water. Kennedy was taken to Blount Memorial Hospital for treatment.