First responders in Columbus spent this morning hauling a stranded family out of deep floodwaters on Tellman Road, after a Kia Sorento got stuck north of the Flatrock River near Mill Race Park. A man and two children were pulled from the stalled vehicle and checked by medics at the scene. None of the three suffered major injuries, and the rescue wrapped up what had already been a busy run of high-water calls across Bartholomew County.
The Bartholomew County Water Rescue Team responded alongside Columbus Township Fire & Rescue, the Columbus Fire Department and Columbus Police, arriving at about 9:37 a.m., according to The Republic. Crews used boats and shore teams to reach the partly submerged SUV and get the father and two children out safely, the outlet reports. First responders told the paper the victims were uninjured but were taken to an ambulance to be checked.
Roads and Parks Closed as Rivers Rise
Tellman Road was already on Bartholomew County Emergency Management's list of high-water closures, one of several roads shut down because of flooding. Mill Race Park and nearby people trails were also marked closed, per a county update reported by Mojo 102.9. Officials urged drivers to steer clear of low-lying routes and not to attempt to drive around barricades. City crews and public-works staff were sent out to replace missing signs and set up barricades where needed.
At the Scene
Responders described the stranded Kia as partly underwater, with floodwater up to the door handles, and said road signs had been washed away on one side of the closed stretch, according to The Republic. The outlet also notes a city Department of Public Works employee was on site reinstalling high-water and road-closed signs. Authorities credited the quick work of the water-rescue team with getting the family out without serious injury.
Warnings Remain in Effect
The National Weather Service had issued flood warnings for the Flatrock River and the East Fork of the White River after several inches of rain this week, as reported by WBIW. The station relayed NWS guidance urging drivers to "Turn Around, Don't Drown" when they encounter flooded roads. Officials warned that even water that looks shallow can hide strong currents and debris that make driving dangerous.
Bartholomew County emergency managers said they will update closures and reopen roads as water levels drop, per Local News Digital. Crews will inspect trails and park areas in Mill Race Park before letting the public back in, officials added.
