Register for E-mail alerts. Comment on articles. Sign up today, it's easy.
Close
The Washington Times Online Edition

Flash flood on Kansas highway kills 4 children

EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Flash flooding swept several vehicles off an interstate highway, killing four children, three of them strapped inside a minivan carried more than a mile by the rushing water.

Rescuers yesterday were searching for the children’s mother and a driver from Texas, though both were presumed dead.

Occupants of the other five of seven cars swept off the roadway when torrential rain sent a creek spilling over Interstate 35 late Saturday had been accounted for, authorities said.

“It happened really fast; there was nothing that could be done,” said the Rev. Steve Gordon, a driver who escaped unharmed. “It was a sick feeling just watching them go under.”

The minivan was found 1 miles from the scene with the children still in it. The fourth child was found yesterday morning about a quarter-mile from the van. The children’s father survived, said Capt. Mark Conboy of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Police have not released the names of the victims.

The only other person who had not been accounted for yesterday was a man from Fort Worth, Texas. Capt. Conboy said the man called his wife Saturday evening, told her his Jeep had stalled and asked her to come get him. The wife, who arrived yesterday morning, had not heard from him since.

“We believe he got out first and was out trying to help people,” Capt. Conboy said. “That was just based on what he told his wife.”

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks yesterday used boats, four-wheel-drive vehicles and a helicopter to search the low-lying rocky area in the Flint Hills, bordered by the usually small Jacob’s Creek.

The two missing persons were presumed dead, “but you can’t give up hope,” Capt. Conboy said.

The search would continue until dark yesterday and would resume today if necessary, he said.

Light rain was still falling in the search area after a downpour of 8 to 12 inches in a 24-hour period starting early Saturday. More rain and thunderstorms were forecast yesterday for much of the Central Plains, and a flood watch was in effect for much of Kansas.

The highway began flooding Saturday evening as heavy rain created a torrent in the creek. Though it isn’t known for flooding problems, the creek, which at one point passes through a culvert under the highway, overflowed. As water spilled into the roadway, cars were forced to stop.

The first call of trouble came in Saturday evening, Capt. Conboy said.

Story Continues →

View Entire Story
Comments
blog comments powered by Disqus
You Might Also Like
  • **FILE** Director of National Intelligence James Clapper (Associated Press)

    Sanctions may be changing Iran’s nuke plans

    By Shaun Waterman - The Washington Times

  • David Wilmot, a power player in the District, is using a program to aid the economically disadvantaged to win contracts. (Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

    Top D.C. lobbyist says he deserves special aid

    By Jeffrey Anderson - The Washington Times

  • Washington state Gov. Chris Gregoire is surrounded by legislators and others Monday as she signs into law a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. The law is to take effect June 7, but opponents are mounting a repeal effort. (Associated Press)

    Washington ballot best chance for foes of same-sex marriage

    By Valerie Richardson - The Washington Times

  • Happening Now

          Independent voices from the TWT Communities

          The Political Pro-Con

          Not your typical discussion, writer Conor Murphy writes about the cons, and pros, of politics

          A Heart Without Compromise; Advocating for Children

          Children around the globe are too often silent. From victims of abuse - physical, mental, and sexual to those whose lives embrace joy, their stories are many and need to be heard.