Had something very similar happen to me as I was heading home from the hospital to get some stuff for my wife as they were going to induce labor the next day. RPMs go BURRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrppp.............. zero. Luckily, I was already at the top of the big hill near me AND had a slow lane so I was able to coast the entire way home. Called the tow truck for a reservation the following morning but he never showed, so I borrowed a friend's car to visit my wife, only to have the tow truck call as soon as I got there, saying that they were on there way, so I had to zoom back home (under the speed limit of course). Wouldn't you know it, the only time I ever skipped a stop sign and there were the Gendarmes waiting for me. My French wasn't so good at the time but I think they got the gist of 1. wife about to have a baby 2. car broke down 3. tow truck calling me constantly telling me that he's leaving in 2 minutes WITHOUT the car if I don't get there, etc etc.
That was a day. Hope yours is better!