Helicopter rescue needed for two trapped flash flood near Queen Creek
Feb 22, 2019, 6:53 PM | Updated: Nov 22, 2019, 9:10 am
PHOENIX — A man and a woman have been saved via helicopter from a flash flood near Queen Creek, Rural Metro Fire Department said in a press release Friday.
The two became stranded on a small patch of elevated ground and brush after attempting to cross the flooding wash. The female slipped and fell into the water, causing the male to jump in after her.
Rural Metro firefighters and Pinal County Sheriff’s Office deputies fought through the rushing water to get to the stranded parties, causing one deputy to have his boots washed away.
Following the first responders’ arrival, it was determined by Rural Metro crew members that a helicopter rescue was the best choice due to the victims’ extreme fatigue and onset of hypothermic conditions.
After nearly two hours from the initial call, both stranded subjects and all rescue members returned safely to dry land. The two victims were then evaluated and released on scene.
Rural Metro Fire Department reminds all that either on foot or in a vehicle: “Turn around, Don’t Drown.”
