Three people were plucked from a perilous situation in San Bernardino County after their vehicle was overwhelmed by floodwaters early Monday. According to CBS News Los Angeles, rescuers arrived around 3 a.m. at Keenbrook Road and Cajon Boulevard, finding a family stranded. Attempting to traverse the swollen waters, a father, mother, and daughter were forced out of their vehicle, seeking refuge atop a tree to escape the deadly torrent.
Swept away by the rapid waters while trying to cross on the clogged road, the family's SUV—also hauling a trailer—was lost to the currents, only to be arrested by a tree downstream. Details were brought to light by a KTLA report, which included a video of rescue team members battling through several feet of raging water to reach the victims. Thankfully, they managed to transfer all three to the safety of higher ground.
The severity of the conditions that the family faced became evident with information shared by San Bernardino County Fire, which stated that all three were being evaluated for hypothermia at a local hospital. Luckily, no other injuries marred this harrowing event.
Local officials took to the incident as a teachable moment, stressing to the public the dangers of fast-moving floodwaters. Travelers have been cautioned, amid nearly 7 inches of rain measured at Lytle Creek station near the area of the calamity, never to cross flooded streets. As little as six inches of water can imperil passenger vehicles, ensnaring them in what often becomes a grave miscalculation.
