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Mother Kills Self and 3 of Her Children Driving Van Into River (Credit: EPA/JUSTIN LANE)

New York mother of 4 drove her minivan into the Hudson River Tuesday night, killing herself and 3 of her children.

Lashaun Armstrong, the woman’s 10 year-old son, managed to open a power window on the submerged minivan. He escaped and swam to shore, authorities said.

Fire Chief Michael Vatter said Lashaun was picked up by a passer-by and was taken to a nearby fire station in Newburgh, New York.

Lashaun was soaking wet, suffering from a mild case of hypothermia, and said his mother had driven the vehicle into the river, according to the fire official.

After an hour long search they found the van submerged in 8 feet of 45-degree water, about 25 yards offshore, Vatter said. Police divers discovered the bodies of Lashandra Armstrong, 25, an 11-month-old girl, a 2-year-old boy and a 5-year-old boy.

According to Newburgh Police Chief, Michael Ferrara, police investigation into the incident indicates that the mother intentionally drove the vehicle into the water. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday on the four bodies.

A relative had called the police prior to the incident, reporting a “domestic disturbance” that may have involved Armstrong’s husband, Jean Pierre, police said. By the time police got there she and her 4 children were gone.

Pierre was questioned, but Police would not give details of the interview or say if the father of four had been charged with anything.

Newburgh Mayor Nicholas Valentine said, “The whole scene surrounding what occurred in Newburgh last night will have a lasting effect on this city.”