LAWRENCE COUNTY — Emergency crews in Lawrence County have responded to multiple incidents involving vehicles stranded in floodwaters over the past several days, while authorities continue searching for two adults reported missing in a heavily flooded area.
According to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, five calls related to vehicles or people stuck in high water have been reported since March 5.
The first incident occurred on March 5 on Donica Church Road, where a vehicle with one occupant became stranded in water covering the roadway. Fire and police personnel responded, and a deputy waded into the water to assist the driver safely to dry land. No injuries were reported.
On March 7, emergency crews responded to Mill Creek Road after a truck carrying three occupants became stuck in floodwater over the roadway. Fire personnel helped remove the occupants from the vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Another call came in on March 8 from Pinhook Road, where a vehicle with one occupant was stuck in high water. Fire personnel responded and assisted the individual in safely exiting the vehicle. No injuries were reported.
The most recent rescue occurred on March 9 on Buddha Bypass. Authorities say a vehicle with one occupant became stranded in floodwater, and the driver began panicking while attempting to exit the vehicle. A deputy responded and waded into chest-deep water to rescue the occupant and escort her to dry land.
Meanwhile, authorities are continuing an active search for two adults reported missing in the Lawrenceport and Earl Road area.
Around 9:30 p.m. on March 8, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after family members reported the two adults missing. The pair was last seen on March 7. When family members were unable to contact them by the evening of March 8, law enforcement was notified.
Using electronic cellphone app data, family members and investigators determined the two missing adults were in the area of Earl Road and Lawrenceport Road around 10 p.m. on March 7. No additional location data has been obtained since that time.
Officials say the location is a possible travel route for the missing individuals based on their last known whereabouts and where they were believed to be headed. The area is currently flooded and partially underwater.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana Conservation Officers, and the Indiana State Police, have been searching the area continuously overnight and throughout the day. Search efforts have included boats, underwater sonar, drones, and an Indiana State Police helicopter.
Authorities say there is currently no confirmation that the missing individuals or their vehicle are in floodwaters, but investigators continue focusing on the area based on available information.
Officials are also urging drivers to use caution due to widespread flooding on local roadways.
“We are experiencing high flooding of roadways in all of our normal locations for the types of weather events we just experienced,” a sheriff’s office official said. “I urge everyone to use caution when traveling. Slow down and be observant for water over the roadways. The old saying, ‘Don’t Drown — Turn Around,’ is really the best advice. It is not worth risking your life, or the life of first responders, just to try and save a little time by not utilizing a safer, alternative route of travel.”
