Tragedy struck Washington Crossing in Bucks County on July 15 as flash floods wreaked havoc, claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving four others, including a 9-month-old infant, missing. The devastating floods were the result of a sudden deluge of rain that inundated the area, with 6 to 7 inches of rainfall accumulating in under an hour.
According to Upper Makefield Fire Chief Tim Brewer, the torrential rain caused the nearby creek to overflow, trapping 11 vehicles and submerging the area in water. Swift action by emergency responders led to the successful rescue of ten people from their stranded cars and the swollen creek. However, three adults lost their lives in the deluge, while four individuals, including a 9-month-old child and a 63-year-old adult, remain unaccounted for.
Efforts to locate the missing individuals are underway, with search and rescue teams combing the creek banks and accessible areas near the scene. Chief Brewer acknowledged the challenging nature of the search, describing the area as highly inaccessible due to steep cliffs on both sides. While authorities initially treated the operation as a rescue mission, they have now shifted their focus to recovery, as the chances of finding survivors diminish.
Out of respect for the families affected by the tragedy, Chief Brewer refrained from releasing the names of those involved. With 44 years of service under his belt, he expressed astonishment at the severity of the situation, stating that he had never witnessed anything like it before. The forceful surge of water that inundated the road in a matter of minutes was unprecedented, surpassing the benchmark set by the destructive Hurricane Ida.
Washington Crossing, located on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River and bordering New Jersey, is approximately 9 miles northwest of Trenton and 35 miles north of Philadelphia. The small community, typically known for its historical significance, now finds itself grappling with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.
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