BY RITA COOK / News Editor
Body
PALMER – A 67-year-old Red Oak man died Saturday night when his vehicle was swept away in strong water off Interstate 45 when heavy rainfall hit the area.
In a statement, Palmer Police reported at around 8:57 p.m. Saturday, May 22, they had received a call for service regarding a male, female, and infant trapped in swift floodwaters just south of the 258-mile marker on the service road. They were all on the roof of the vehicle awaiting help.
That family was brought to safety with no injuries with the help of the Ennis Fire Rescue T191.
During the rescue of the family, Palmer Police were also alerted to a second vehicle trying to drive through the fast-moving water which was swept away.
The sole occupant in the vehicle, a 67-year-old man from Red Oak, was found deceased on the east side of the northbound service road at about 12:12 p.m.
The water had apparently carried the man’s vehicle from the west side of I-45 to the east side in less than 30 seconds.
The fire department found the vehicle completely submerged underwater at the north service road.
Because of the strength of the currents, an attempt to pull out any occupants was not achieved when the vehicle was originally located, according to Palmer Police.
The Midlothian Police Department assisted in the search and rescue with a drone, and Red Oak Fire Department provided a swift water boat.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
