A 21-year old woman from Elko, Minn., and her 23-month-old daughter escaped unharmed after their car plunged into the icy Red Cedar River off Interstate 94 near Menomonie, Wis., early Sunday, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Daniella L. Overett was driving west when she fell asleep at the wheel about 5:40 a.m. Sunday, she told authorities.

Overett woke up when her vehicle entered the median, struck the eastbound side of the river bridge and then fell over the embankment and landed on the ice below, the patrol said.

With her vehicle partly submerged, Overett was able to get herself and her toddler out safely. The little girl suffered a few scratches and bruises.

LAURIE BLAKE