A Dramatic Rescue from the Roofs of a Submerged Car in Arizona
A harrowing incident unfolded in Arizona when a man and his child were dramatically rescued from the roof of their car during flash floods. The terrifying event took place early Monday morning, as the family found themselves trapped in rising floodwaters.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office shared heart-wrenching footage capturing the moment in Eloy, near Battaglia Road and Highway 87. The father was seen tightly hugging his son as floodwaters surrounded their vehicle, leaving only a small portion of the roof visible above the water.
They were described as “clinging desperately” to the top of their nearly submerged car, with multiple emergency agencies rushing to the scene. The Eloy Fire District posted dramatic images showing a firefighter using a ladder truck to rescue the infant. Meanwhile, the father remained on the roof of the vehicle, completely surrounded by water.
For privacy reasons, the faces in the images were blurred, according to the Eloy Fire District. The family was eventually rescued by firefighters and treated for possible injuries. The Daily Mail contacted the Eloy Fire District for more information about the family’s condition.
The dangerous situation occurred after the father drove past barricades that had been set up at the flooded intersection, as reported by the Eloy Police Department. This led to an immediate response from several emergency services, including the Eloy Fire District, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Casa Grande Fire Department, and Eloy Police Department.
Police issued a warning: “Please don’t ignore these signs, keep yourself and your families safe.”
Social media reactions varied from relief over the successful rescue to disbelief at how the family ended up in such a perilous situation. One person wrote, “Thank God they were rescued, this could have had a much different outcome!” Another added, “Thank you to the men and women who answer the call daily, your service and commitment is greatly appreciated! God bless and stay safe!”
Another user said, “Regardless of the mistake that was made, the most important thing is, they are both ok and alive.” A third comment read, “There really are other ways to learn how to swim. Thanks to all the first responders for putting their lives on the line to rescue those in need.”
The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Pinal County on Monday. The storm was expected to bring wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour and hail the size of quarters, which could cause damage to vehicles, roofs, siding, and trees.
Eloy, located about 65 miles from Phoenix, has a population of approximately 16,000. In addition to the family rescued on Monday morning, rescuers also saved two other motorists trapped on Milligan Road east of Highway 87, according to the Eloy Fire District.
By Tuesday afternoon, the dangerous storm had subsided. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding weather warnings and avoiding flooded areas. It also highlights the bravery and quick actions of first responders who risk their lives to save others in emergencies.
