(CNN) -- Two children trapped in a sinking minivan are alive thanks to the efforts of five good Samaritans who jumped into a retention pond near Walt Disney World and saved them.
"The van completely became submerged. It was really, really scary," one of the rescuers said.
"For the quick reaction that these good Samaritans had, they saved these kids' lives," Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Kim Miller told CNN affiliate WKMG-TV of Orlando.
"It is anyone's worst nightmare. We know what can happen if kids are under water."
The Nissan Quest plunged into the pond off U.S. Highway 192 on Wednesday afternoon when a spare tire blew out, causing the driver to lose control, the highway patrol said.
The westbound van was carrying five people. The driver, Ermarie Otereo, 24, and two passengers, Sulane Suero, 21, of Orlando, and Ivan Rivera, 6, of Kissimmee, were able to escape the submerged minivan, WKMG reported.
But Niomy Rivera, 3, of Kissimmee and Derek Rivera, 1, of Kissimmee, were trapped under water for as long as seven minutes, the station said.
Witnesses said Otereo was screaming for help, saying her babies were in the car, The Associated Press reported.
The good Samaritans saw the sinking van and jumped in to save the children.
"I was feeling the baby's body. He was motionless, so I'm trying to put my hand underneath the belt, so I could cut it without injuring the baby," Ramos told CNN affiliate WESH-TV of Orlando.
"I was just fearing for somebody's life ... I was praying to God, please let these babies live, please let these babies live. Thank God we got them in time."
Another rescuer, Robert Wright, told WESH he was on his way to pick up his children when he saw the van go out of control and plunge into the pond.
Wright said he didn't think twice about stopping to help.
"The mother was yelling that her babies were in the car," Wright said.
"The van completely became submerged. It was really, really scary. You couldn't see anything. It was totally black underwater. We couldn't get the seat belts loose from the kids. It was pretty bad," Wright said.
All of the occupants were taken to hospital, AP reported. Niomy and Derek Rivera were in critical condition at Florida Hospital South on Thursday.
Troopers told WKMG that car seats helped save the children.
"They could have been thrown underneath the floorboard or in the front seat and then time would have been wasted for those rescuers trying to find them"
This really shows how the Lord answers prayer.... What a miracle.
Hope everyone has a nice week end, take care and God's blessings be with you.
Hey Webmasters! New Photo Album Service Launched - Check it out!
Love the doggie! 
. The picture of the Lord's hands feeding the sparrows is lovely. That is what I did the church bulletin on Sun - God cares!Enjoyed coming by. I just made a new post on my journal, maybe you can come check it out sometime. 
. 
, care to exchange link? if so let me know so I can add yours to my blog. 
Watch rescuers describe their actions »
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