JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. – Emergency crews were involved in several water rescues early Friday following the heavy rain in northeast Kansas.
Just before 3a.m. Friday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report that vehicles had been washed off U.S. Highway 75 at Muddy Creek near the Brown County line, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.
Numerous agencies responded to the scene. A passenger car and a truck pulling a trailer were swept from the highway into rapidly moving floodwaters. There was one occupant in each vehicle.
Brown County Emergency Management and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deployed drones to assist in the search for the victims.
Personnel from the Sabetha Fire Department Swift Water Rescue Team and Brown County Squad 48 were able to access the north side of the floodwaters and successfully rescue both occupants from their vehicles by 4:32 a.m. The victims were evaluated by EMS personnel and reported no serious injuries.
At 6:30 a.m., responders were notified of a woman in her vehicle was swept off of Q.4 Road just north of Elk Creek and south of 238th Road.
Holton Fire Department, Jackson County EMS, Holton Police and Jackson County Sheriff responded. Fire personnel were able to rescue the woman from her vehicle. No injures were reported.
The City of Holton and Jackson County closed Q4 Road in that area.
Just before 8a.m. Friday U.S. Highway 75 was reopened between K-9 Highway and K-20 Highway, according to Sheriff Morse. It was temporarily closed due to the high water.
Please remain alert for flooded and damaged roadways. Many county roads in the northern portion of Jackson County have sustained significant damage, and some have been completely washed out. Never drive through flooded roadways.
Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.