The Richland County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team was called into action this week as local flooding proved hazardous for motorists. According to Sgt. Jimmy Sweat, the team rescued drivers and passengers from three vehicles in separate incidents.
Monday night the team assisted a woman and infant near Lucas. The woman’s vehicle was submerged in water west of Lucas and a team member carried the infant as they helped the woman to safety. Monday night sheriff’s team also helped a woman from a stranded car near the first incident. The flood-disabled car was west of Lucas on St. Rt. 39.
Tuesday night the team was called into action again when they rescued a woman from her vehicle on St. Rt. 97 just west of Bellville. “Her vehicle was submerged up past her windows,” stated Sweat. Then, this morning at approximately 6:30 a.m., the team removed a woman from her partially submerged car on Bunkerhill Rd, off St. Rt. 95 near Butler.
“Any time during heavy rain, people need to be extra vigilant,” said Sweat, “And under no circumstance drive into water that’s covering the road.”
Sheriff Steve Sheldon praised the team. “They did a great job and they’ve rescued several people. The team was here before I was sheriff and it has proven to be a very worthwhile program.”
“Any time during heavy rain, people need to be extra vigilant, and under no circumstance drive into water that’s covering the road.”
