Beeville police released body camera video showing first responders rescuing a family and baby after floodwaters trapped their vehicle at a creek crossing.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A dramatic water rescue in Beeville is serving as another warning about the dangers of driving through flooded roadways during heavy rain.
Beeville police released body camera video showing the moments first responders rescued a family, including a baby, after their vehicle became trapped in rising floodwaters at a creek crossing.
Officials say heavy rain moved into the area quickly, causing water levels at the low water crossing to rise rapidly. At the time, barricades had not yet been placed near the crossing because conditions changed so fast.
As the vehicle approached the flooded roadway, the Fire Chief attempted to wave the driver down and stop them from entering the water. However, officials say the driver did not see the warning in time and drove into the crossing.
The rushing water quickly began pushing the vehicle downstream, trapping the family inside.
According to authorities, Officer Puente entered the floodwaters and helped remove a baby from the vehicle while firefighters and other emergency crews rushed to assist. A volunteer firefighter on scene also helped during the rescue effort.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Officials say the incident highlights how quickly flood conditions can become life-threatening, especially around low water crossings and creeks.
“It does not take much moving water to push a vehicle off the roadway,” officials said in a statement. “By the time you realize how dangerous it is, it can already be too late.”
Authorities are reminding drivers never to go around barricades placed near flooded roadways, noting that barricades are installed to protect the public and ignoring them is also a criminal offense.
Emergency crews urge drivers to slow down during heavy rain, avoid flooded areas and remember the warning often shared during severe weather events: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
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