Coordinated Efforts Save Victims Of Flash Flood

Early on Tuesday morning, a 66-inch water main pipe broke in Montgomery County, Maryland, flooding River Road. Millions of gallons of water per minute gushed from the ruptured pipe and the roadway quickly became flooded with deep, fast-moving water rushing down the road. Several motorists were trapped in the flash flood. Maryland State Police (MSP) and United States Park Police helicopters responded along with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department. Three motorists were rescued by being hoisted by the MSP helicopter, and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s swiftwater rescue team saved five others. One firefighter who had rescued a motorist in the fast-moving water became stranded when his boat became disabled. The crew of the Park Police ‘Eagle’ helicopter, pilots Sergeant Kevin Chittick and Jeff Hertel, responded and hoisted the firefighter to safety. The water and air temperatures were very cold and the victims and rescue crews who were exposed to the elements were coated in ice.  The United States Park Police work extensively with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department in training for swiftwater rescues.  For a series of photos of the rescue operation, click on the link below.