A sudden monsoon surge turned a Tucson drainage tunnel into a deadly torrent Wednesday evening, leaving one woman dead after she was swept away from a crossing near Interstate 19 and West Ajo Way, according to authorities. Tucson Fire crews pulled eight adults from the fast-moving water inside the concrete tunnel, but one person was carried downstream and did not survive as storms pounded the city.
Local reporters say the victim has been identified as Tiffanie Miguel, whose body was later found in a wash near Silverlake Road, according to 13 News (KOLD). Tucson Fire Deputy Chief Eric Jakoby told 13 News that Engine 15 crews came upon eight people in running water and used throw bags, an aerial ladder and ground ladders to get them out. He said it took crews about 10 minutes to complete the rescues. A relative had posted on social media naming Miguel as the missing person, the station reported.
Rescue and recovery
Authorities say the group was swept into the Santa Cruz channel at a concrete tunnel near West Ajo Way and I-19. Video from the scene shows firefighters combing the riverbanks and getting ready for aerial support, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. That coverage notes that eight people were ultimately rescued, including two who were briefly carried downstream before being pulled to safety, while the missing person was found farther down the channel. Mutual aid crews from nearby districts joined Tucson Fire in the lengthy search and recovery effort.
Monsoon surge and warnings
The same storm system that swept people into the channel also knocked down more than two dozen power poles and forced multiple road closures across Pima County. Tucson International Airport logged roughly 0.65 inches of rain for the day as the monsoon cells moved through, according to the Arizona Daily Star. Officials again warned that desert washes and tunnels can shift from bone-dry to life-threatening in just minutes when those early monsoon bursts hit.
City and county agencies urged residents to stay out of washes and to turn around instead of driving through floodwaters. The Pima County "Be Flood Safe" page lists sandbag locations, alert sign-ups and other preparation tips ahead of more storms. Authorities ask anyone with information about the incident to contact Tucson Police, and recommend that residents in flood-prone neighborhoods keep a close eye on local forecasts and emergency alerts as the monsoon season ramps up.
