Heavy rain is blamed for a crash that left a car upside down in a ditch, with a trapped driver and rising water, Monday evening.

The single-vehicle crash happened at around 6:15, on New 81 Highway, north of Interstate 70 near the junction with K 143 Highway.

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers told KSAL News at the scene that the  car was headed south, when the driver, identified as 53-year-old Randall Bartell of Salina, lost control in a heavy rain downpour. The car hydroplaned, crashed through a guard rail, and ended up on its top in a ditch in the median.

First responders to the scene were concerned because the Bartell was trapped, and water in the ditch was rising.

Salina firefighters arrived quickly, and freed Bartell as water was starting to flow into the car. He was alert and talking at the scene.

Bartell, who was buckled up, was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center.

Bartell survived not only the crash and water, but also a guard rail that penetrated into his car.