SPENCER CO. – Two drivers were rescued from dangerously cold floodwaters in Spencer County on Tuesday, prompting warnings from local officials. Later in the day, a third rescue was required at the same location.
The first incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Bullocktown Road, where a driver became trapped in approximately three feet of water. Luce Fire Territory crews, along with other responding agencies, successfully rescued the driver. Photos from the scene showed the vehicle almost completely submerged.
Despite the earlier rescue and subsequent warnings issued by Luce Fire Territory, a second driver became stranded in the same location just after noon. Authorities reported that this driver had ignored closed/high water signs. This driver was also safely rescued.
Later that afternoon, at 12:16 p.m., Luce Water Rescue was dispatched again to the same location on 900W for a vehicle with an occupant stuck in the frigid water. Luce Fire Water Rescue, assisted by Spencer County EMS and other local responders, rescued the occupant. Officials noted that the water level remained high, the water temperature was still extremely cold, and the “Road Closed/High Water” signs were still in place.
Luce Fire Territory expressed frustration, stating, “Their life was still in danger as were our personnel that came to their rescue. We got to use our cool hovercraft, once again, that we would prefer not to have to use. All because someone made an ill-advised decision to drive around the warning signs.”
Luce Fire Territory officials are again urging drivers to heed warnings about high water and to follow the adage, “Turn around, don’t drown.” These repeated incidents highlight the dangers of driving through flooded roadways, which put both drivers and first responders at risk.
