A rescue effort turned into a recovery Saturday when a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. Lumberton Rescue and EMS Inc. officials emphasized that drive stay out of running flood waters and to obey road closed signs. The water in Saturday’s was only about eight inches deep. Contributed photo | Lumberton Rescue and EMS Inc. SOUTH ROBESON COUNTY — The Lumberton Rescue and EMS Inc. responded to a fatality Sunday related to flooding in Robeson County.
According to rescue officials on the scene, a driver was found dead in a vehicle near Old Whiteville Road near the Robeson County line.
No information about the vehicle or the driver has yet been independently confirmed by The Robesonian.
“This incident had a somber ending. A motorist drove into the running flood water and their vehicle was swept away. The driver did not survive,” according to a statement from The Lumberton Rescue and EMS Inc.
Photos that accompany the social media post show rescuers working at the scene.
“The photos below illustrate the professional response for what we thought would be a rescue, but sadly turned into a recovery,” the post states. “The photos also indicate the depth of the running water, which was eight to twelve inches.”
“Thank you to Allenton FD, NC State Highway Patrol, Robeson EMS, Robeson 911 and Highway Used Parts for their assistance in this incident.
“It bears repeating,” the post states. “Never drive into flooded roadways and obey road closed signage.”
On Saturday evening the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office issued a Special Weather Statement.
“At 8:59 p.m…. Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm capable of producing a landspout over Fork, or 7 miles north of Mullins, moving south at 15 mph,” according to the statement.
“HAZARD: Landspouts and wind gusts up to 40 mph.
”SOURCE: Radar indicated.
”IMPACT: Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include Mullins, Fair Bluff, Lake View, Fork, Kemper, Gapway, Nichols and Marietta.”
On Tuesday the National Weather Service reported a Flood Warning for Robeson County, stating “Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet and a depth of 2 feet will float your car. Never try to walk, swim or drive through such swift water. If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around and go another way. Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.”
Most Popular
Comments / 0