Washington, Jul 18 (IANS): An American woman plunged her car into the Hackensack River in New Jersey after she hit the accelerator instead of the brakes.

The City of Hackensack Fire Department released a footage that showed the moment the woman hit the accelerator pedal at the Spotless car wash earlier this week.

The vehicle exited the car wash and drove towards workers with towels in their hands ready to dry it when suddenly it took off and barrels down into the water.

"When the vehicle was exiting the car wash, the driver mistakenly hit the gas instead of the brake, accelerating the vehicle off the embankment into the water," said Captain Justin Derevyanik of the Hackensack of the Fire Department.

Officials said the car was being driven by 64-year-old Evelyn Asperilla of Teaneck and also had a passenger -- her 27-year-old daughter Carla Asperilla, CBS New York reported.

Evelyn Asperilla sustained a minor injury to her leg while her daughter refused medical attention.

The police said a witness ran down to help the two women out and the car was removed from the river with the help of a towing company.