Several crews are searching for the child who was reportedly caught in rising water.
BRENHAM, Texas — Emergency crews are searching for a girl who was swept away by rising waters near Fireman’s Park in Brenham, Texas, according to the Brenham Fire Department. Swift water rescue teams were sent to find the missing 10-year-old as severe weather moved through the region.
According to officials, it happened Monday afternoon when sudden flooding swept the girl into rushing waters. Several bystanders tried to rescue the girl before emergency crews arrived.
A Brenham police officer who also tried to rescue the child became caught in the current. That officer was rescued downstream and was being treated by Washington County EMS.
With an update to their post at 9:24 p.m., the Brenham Fire Department said that 14 agencies were helping and swift water rescue teams were searching the waters near Burleson Street Bridge and along the banks. They also said various agencies are positioned along the search area from the bridge to Old Independence Road.
“There is bad weather on its way so we ask for prayers for the family and all the first responders involved in the search and rescue,” officials said in the update.
The missing child was a student from Brenham Elementary School and support services will be available for students and staff, according to a Brenham Independent School District social media post.
“Yesterday, during the severe weather that impacted our area, a student from Brenham Elementary was caught in floodwaters and is currently missing. Search efforts remain ongoing.
Our hearts are with the student’s family, and we ask our community to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be shared at this time.
Counseling and support services will be available for students and staff. We will continue to provide updates as appropriate.
We are deeply grateful for the continued efforts of local law enforcement, fire, EMS, specialized rescue teams, and the many community members who have offered their support,” the post said.
The next round of severe storms could bring as much as 6 inches of rain Tuesday to parts of southeastern Texas, according to the National Weather Service in Houston.
Monday night, officials said water-based rescue operations were being temporarily scaled back due to thunderstorms moving through the area.
Several agencies responded to the emergency, including the Brenham Fire Department and Washington County EMS. A six-member swift water rescue team from Conroe was providing more assistance.
The incident was first reported around 4:25 p.m. when the Brenham Fire Department said that swift water rescue teams were responding to an incident caused by rising water near Fireman’s Park.
Brenham is about an hour and 15-minute drive northwest from downtown Houston by US-290.