A driver in China was rescued by bystanders moments before her car sank into a roadside river.

Closed-circuit video footage shows the dramatic crash and rescue after the bizarre accident in Xiangshan province, East China, on Monday.

According to witness reports, the car hit a light post before veering to the left, crashing through a barrier and plummeting several feet into the water below.

According to SkyNews, the woman was in the river for about 10 minutes before rescuers were able to help her out of the river gulch.

A bystander used a jacket to lower down to the woman, who was then able to climb out with help of other bystanders.

SkyNews reports the car was later retrieved from the river with a crane.