'Ice car' freed, but partial ice shell remains

After more than two days, the owner of the ice car will soon be able to drive his vehicle again.

Check this story again later today to see high quality video of the ice car and the shell left behind

Crews were at a parking lot along the Lake Erie shore Wednesday afternoon, digging the car free. But really neat - a shell remained behind:

All that's left #IceCarpic.twitter.com/YOIDoqM2Qi

— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) January 13, 2016

The car was parked there by 24-year-old Justin Yelen Sunday night. He had a few drinks with friends at a western New York restaurant and decided to leave it there instead of driving home.

But proving "no good deed goes unpunished," the responsible young man would discover the following morning that his vehicle had become encased in ice.

Justin was shocked, jokingly telling 7 Eyewitness News that he hoped summer comes soon.

He didn't have to wait until summer and for being patient for a couple days, he now has a story to last a lifetime. Reporter Matt Bove's picture of the #icecar become a national and international sensation, going viral and being featured in newspapers, on websites, and on TV.

What happens when you park your car near Rt. 5 @WKBW@7FirstAlert#Buffalopic.twitter.com/lEqoOXHlz8

— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) January 11, 2016

In fact, pictures of the ice car are so incredible, Ripley's Believe or Not plans to include a photo of the car in their next book.

Here are more great pictures of the car: