Human chain formed to rescue Kansas deputy after patrol vehicle becomes submerged in floodwaters
By Kate Devine
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WELLINGTON, Kan. (KAKE) — Sumner County officials are urging drivers to obey road closure signs after a deadly flooding incident over the weekend left one person dead and a sheriff’s patrol vehicle submerged.
Authorities said the incident happened Saturday afternoon along South Oliver Road near Wellington after two drivers went around road closure barricades and entered floodwaters.
According to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, one vehicle ended up in the east ditch, while another was swept into fast-moving water on the west side of the road.
The driver of the vehicle in the east ditch was able to get out without assistance.
Wellington Fire/EMS Lt. Bradley Robinson said crews were initially dispatched for two submerged vehicles.
“Saturday, the 27th, we were dispatched to the 600 block of South Oliver Road in Wellington for a vehicle submersion,” Robinson said. “While en route, we were advised that there were actually two vehicles submerged in the water. When we arrived, we saw one vehicle in the east ditch and one vehicle in the west ditch.”
While emergency crews were responding, a Sumner County Sheriff’s deputy’s patrol SUV hydroplaned into the floodwaters and became submerged.
“We actually were able to watch the sheriff’s deputy’s vehicle become completely submerged in the floodwater,” Robinson said. “It was definitely a bit of a shock.”
Undersheriff Mike Westmoreland said two deputies formed a human chain to rescue the deputy from the water before continuing to help with the original emergency.
“The two deputies that were with him formed a human chain and were able to get him out of the water,” Westmoreland said.
Emergency crews were unable to immediately search for the missing driver because of the dangerous conditions.
“The water was moving too fast, and it was too deep,” Robinson said. “We decided to suspend search efforts on Saturday.”
After water levels receded Sunday, crews resumed the search with help from the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Robinson said a helicopter located the victim about a quarter mile from where the vehicle entered the water.
Westmoreland said the tragedy was preventable.
“It’s always tragic. It was very preventable. It wouldn’t have happened if people obeyed the road closed signs,” he said.
Officials said both drivers had gone around road closure barricades before entering the flooded roadway.
Westmoreland urged drivers to avoid flooded roads, saying the extra time it takes to find another route is worth it.
“To the family and friends, we’re sorry for their loss,” he said. “To other drivers, just please pay attention to the road closed signs. It’s not worth it. That few extra minutes to find another route is what you need to do. You’re putting yourself in danger, and you’re putting the first responders.”
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