At a Glance

A snow plow operator struck a buried car in South Lake Tahoe, California.An unidentified, 48-year-old woman was found safe inside the car.

A California woman trapped for hours in a vehicle by mounds of snow was found unharmed after a snow plow struck her buried car.

A South Lake Tahoe, California, snow plow operator was making his rounds on Feb. 17 when he unexpectedly buried in the snow. When he got out to investigate, he discovered the vehicle, according to a statement from the city.

Police were notified and crews began to dig the car out of the snow to provide access for a tow truck. While digging, city staff came across the unidentified 48-year-old woman, who said she had been trapped in the vehicle for several hours.

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City officials noted that the outcome could have been much worse.

“We say this all the time, but it is so important to get cars out of snow removal areas and for everyone to be careful using vehicles during major snow events,” said Chris Fiore, Communications Manager. “Being inside of a buried car, or starting a car buried in snow could have deadly consequences.”

Police said they do not know if she was living in her car or where she was from.