Arizona monsoon rescue: Elderly couple saved from flooded sedan by MCSO helicopter

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office aircrews rescued two elderly motorists from a submerged sedan Wednesday after rising floodwaters trapped them in a wash along State Route 238 near Maricopa.

Ground deputies and local fire crews arrived at milepost 25 to find the brown sedan surrounded by fast-moving water, which had reached the hood and windows and was pouring into the cabin.

With severe weather preventing ground crews from reaching the pair, MCSO’s Aviation Division deployed its Fox 2 helicopter.

 

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Aboard the aircraft, Deputy Pilot Michael White battled heavy rain and 30-knot wind gusts to hover over the vehicle. Deputy Tactical Flight Officer Sgt. Lindsey Smith was lowered down to the sedan with a rescue strop and life jackets.

Smith secured both occupants, both over 80 years old, and lifted them to shore, where emergency medical personnel were waiting to assist.

Both individuals were brought to safety without major injuries reported.

Arizona public safety officials remind drivers never to enter flooded roadways or washes during monsoon storms. A few inches of running water can easily sweep away a vehicle. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route.

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