Sheriff: 3 ND students likely didn't see pond

[Swede]

This is so sad.

Three college softball players found dead after their sport utility vehicle went into a pond on a North Dakota farm during a stargazing trip likely drove straight into the water in the dark, authorities said Wednesday.

Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said the women's SUV was found resting on its wheels Tuesday in about 10 feet of water hidden by tall grass, with the doors and windows closed.

"When you're not familiar with an area like that it would have been very easy to drive into," Tuhy said.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ivg3H4SVxoJDOECn-VbmiaH9xhvAD9BOOGRG1

[Barack_America]

1. Um, and they didn't even try to get out?

And the dog died too?

Something is strange here.

[theHandpuppet]

2. Yeah, this report just puzzled me

Just doesn't make sense.

[JanMichael]

3. Probably electric doors and window locks...

also, remember it is almost impossible to push a door open against water pressure, or push a window out. That's why those "window smasher" things are sold on TV.

[dysfunctional press]

6. electric windows still operate when a car goes into the water.

that was covered on mythbusters.

[Statistical]

7. electric door locks are required to have manual release for safety

Once car is mostly filled with water opening the door is easy.

[Vinnie From Indy]

4. WTF?

Is there a paved road that goes straight into the pond? Was it a dirt road? It seems doubtful that the SUV would have been traveling at a high rate of speed into the lake. If it was anything less than 40mph, I doubt that the occupants would have been knocked out on hitting the water. There is something odd about this story.

[FarCenter]

5. 10 feet deep -- probably this was a "dugout" for watering cattle

They most likely were driving across the field and drove right into it. These are artificial ponds made by excavating a trench in the praire. The ends would slope down to the water so that cattle can drink, but the sides can be steep.