Authorities in Beeville, Texas, rescued an infant from a white car trapped in rapidly rising floodwaters at a low-water crossing after heavy storms on May 23 [1, 2]. The vehicle became partially submerged and was pushed toward a creek by the fast-moving floodwater [1, 2]. A fire chief had tried to wave down the driver to stop before entering the flooded crossing, but the driver did not see the warnings in time [1, 2].
An officer entered the floodwaters, reached into the vehicle through the passenger-side window, and removed the infant secured in a baby carrier [1, 2]. Responders then quickly covered the baby carrier with a high-visibility jacket after moving the infant to safety [1, 2]. No injuries were reported, including to the driver [1, 2].
The floodwaters rose so rapidly that barricades were not yet placed near the crossing when the vehicle entered [1, 2]. Beeville Police Department urged drivers to avoid flooded roads and not to drive around barricades, warning that moving water can quickly push vehicles off the road. "It does not take much moving water to push a vehicle off the roadway, and by the time you realize how dangerous it is, it can already be too late," the department said [1].
They added, "If barricades are up around a roadway or crossing, please do not drive around them. They are there for a reason. Going around barricades not only puts lives at risk, but it is also a criminal offense." The department also stressed, "No errand, shortcut, or destination is worth risking your life or your family’s safety," in a safety reminder directed at motorists [2].
Beeville is located about 100 miles southeast of San Antonio [2]. On May 24, the Beeville Police Department released a video of the rescue [1].
