Londoners 'escape death' as Uber plunges into sea in France - before they are 'charged £18 for fare'

A file image of an Uber car, as two Londoners and a driver 'escaped death' in France after the car plunged into the sea
PA
James Morris18 August 2018

Two Londoners escaped death after their Uber plunged into the sea in France – before they were charged for the fare.

Nick Christoforou said he, colleague Sophia Toon and the driver would be “100 per cent dead” if he hadn’t managed to open a passenger door.

The Uber app reportedly still charged him £18 for the trip, though this has since been refunded and compensation offered.

The 31-year-old real estate worker and Ms Toon, 23, were on an early morning trip when the cab went off the end of a jetty in Cannes and into the French Riviera.

Nick Christoforou: 'If I wasn't in a fit and able state we would all be 100% dead'
Nick Christoforou/LinkedIn

He told the Sun: “One minute I was in the back of an Uber heading home, and the next I was in the sea.

"I managed to get the car door open and got to the surface to find the others.

"If I wasn't in a fit and able state we would all be 100% dead."

Sophia Toon was also in the car when it plunged into the sea
Sophia Toon/Facebook

Images showed the Citroen DS5 partially submerged in 10ft of water at Port Pierre Canto.

The driver was breathalysed and found to be sober, the Sun reported.

A police spokesman said the car had sunk slowly, giving them time to escape.

An Uber spokeswoman said: "We were shocked to hear about this terrible accident and are grateful that everyone in the vehicle is safe.

"Following the report, we contacted both passengers to ensure that they were OK and continue to offer counselling services and support while they await the outcome of their claim against the driver’s insurance.

"The licensed driver involved is no longer able to use the Uber app."

Additional reporting by Press Association

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