(LAUREL) – At approximately 9 a.m. Saturday, searchers located the sixth and last missing victim from Sanes Creek in Franklin County, after two vehicles were swept from the roadway Friday morning.
The victims from one vehicle have been identified as 47-year-old Shawn Roberts, and 48-year-old Burton Spurlock, both of Laurel.
The victims from the second vehicle have been identified as 35-year-old Felina Lewis, of Laurel and three juveniles, ages 13, 7 and 4.
All were pronounced deceased by the Franklin County coroner.
Next of kin has been notified for all victims.
“We are extremely thankful for the overwhelming outpouring of support by all agencies involved, as well as the many community members who assisted in search efforts,” said Franklin County Sheriff Pete Cates.
The scene is still under investigation by Indiana Conservation Officers and the Franklin County coroner’s office.
Earlier – Rescue crews have recovered five victims from Sanes Creek in Franklin County
At approximately 3 p.m., searchers located the fifth victim after two vehicles were swept from the roadway into Sanes Creek this morning. The search will continue for the sixth and last victim.
Search operations will be suspended for the night due to darkness. Operations will resume Saturday morning at 9 a.m.
Identities of the victims are being withheld pending family notification.
Earlier: A search is underway after floodwaters swept two vehicles off a roadway near the town of Laurel early this morning.
At approximately 5 a.m., Franklin County 911 received a call from a witness who reported seeing headlights off the roadway and hearing calls for help coming from an area near the intersection of Sanes Creek and Tee Hill roads.
Responding authorities discovered the bridge over Sanes Creek had been partially washed away.
An initial search located one vehicle, and a second vehicle was located a short time later.
At this time, responders have recovered four deceased victims and believe two individuals are still missing. The search is still underway, and updates will be provided when available.
The victims’ identities are being withheld at this time, pending family notification.
Agencies assisting on the scene are Indiana Conservation Officers, Franklin County Fire Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Laurel Police and Fire, Metamora Police and Fire and Franklin County EMS.
