An Ottawa man had to be pulled from his car early Thursday morning after his vehicle rolled over and ended up in a drained portion of the Rideau Canal.

The car was travelling on Colonel By Drive near the intersection with University Road when it skidded about 23 metres across the grass before hitting a retaining wall for the canal, according to Ottawa paramedics.

It then plunged about six metres to the muddy bottom of the emptied canal. The car rolled over several times, travelling another 23 metres before coming to rest on its wheels.

Ottawa firefighters used the Jaws of Life to cut the car open and remove the driver — a man in his late twenties — who paramedics then took to hospital. He was treated for injuries to the lower body and cold exposure and is currently in stable condition.

A passerby called police at 4:20 a.m. to the scene, but paramedics said it wasn't clear how long the car had been in the canal before the call was made.

Police and the RCMP are investigating.

Colonel By was closed between University and Hogs Back Road but has since reopened.