Truck swept away in Oklahoma floodwaters
By KTBS Staff
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SMITHVILLE, Oklahoma (KTBS) — First responders rescued a truck driver after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in McCurtain County on Wednesday afternoon.
The truck was loaded with gravel when the driver tried to drive through floodwaters on private property south of Smithville. Rushing water swept the truck away, and it became entangled in trees.
Rescue crews from the Broken Bow Fire Department, Hochatown Fire Department, Smithville Fire Department, and the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office worked together to safely rescue the stranded driver. Officials said the driver was not injured.
Emergency personnel warned that it takes very little moving water to carry away a vehicle, including a large semi-truck. Officials noted that drivers cannot see if a roadway has washed away beneath the surface or if hazards like debris and downed power lines are hidden under the water.
Officials also emphasized that these incidents put first responders in significant danger. Drivers are urged to take safer alternate routes during flooding, even if the detour takes longer.
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