( CNN ) -- A Milwaukee , Wisconsin , motorist whose SUV fell into a large sinkhole thanked the passer-by who brought an end to the brief but terrifying ordeal . `` The road just went out from under me , '' Lance Treankler , the Cadillac Escalade driver , said Friday . `` When I landed , my head snapped back . I went unconscious for a few seconds . When I looked up , I saw water run over me . '' That 's when Mark Pawlik , 46 , who was walking Thursday evening near Oakland and North avenues on Milwaukee 's east side , came to the rescue . Pawlik told CNN affiliate WTMJ that he saw a nearby traffic light in the sinkhole and spotted the SUV heading right toward it . The vehicle disappeared and a traffic light landed on its roof . Pawlik saw the driver standing on the SUV 's hood . `` I grabbed your hand . You looked at me and said , 'Get me out of here , ' `` Pawlik told Treankler during their reunion , filmed by WTMJ . Treankler suffered only minor cuts and bruises in the incident , which occurred during a storm that brought heavy flooding to the city . It was not clear what part weather played in the sinkhole 's formation . Crews will be able to retrieve the SUV from the 20-foot sinkhole Friday evening , said Barry McNulty , spokesman for We Energies . The sinkhole cut off power to the area , but about 200 businesses and homes should regain electricity Friday night , he said . Crews were building a temporary power line . Peter Panos , who owns the nearby Ma Fischer 's Family Restaurant , said power was restored to his establishment about 3 p.m. CT . The SUV 's engine remained running into Friday as police and fire officers decided how to proceed . `` I am very grateful for you helping me out , '' Treankler told Pawlik .
`` The road just went out from under me , '' driver says . Mark Pawlik was walking past Thursday evening when he saw SUV disappear . Lance Treankler suffered only cuts and bruises .