3 May Be Missing In Flash Floods In Harford County: Police
Search efforts near Calvary Road at James Run Road will resume on Saturday, police reported.
By Elizabeth Janney, Patch Staff
September 1, 2018
BEL AIR, MD —
Police said the search for three missing people who were swept up in the flood waters in Harford County Friday night has been suspended until 7 a.m. on Saturday. Although a vehicle was found that may contain two of the people, authorities reported the waters were so high that it was unclear whether it was the vehicle that washed away and if it had the two missing persons inside.
Rescue crews were initially called to James Run Road at Calvary Road around 6 p.m. on Friday, according to Maryland State Police.
A vehicle had become disabled on a bridge in the area because of high water, and when a truck pulled up and the woman inside got out to try to help them, she was swept off the bridge by the swift water, police reported.
Then officials said the disabled vehicle, which had two people inside, also got swept away.
The driver of the truck went to a nearby quarry to search for the victims and alerted first responders, police reported.
Late Friday evening a vehicle was found about a quarter-mile from where the vehicle was swept away, but police said high water conditions prevented officials from confirming whether it was the same vehicle and if anyone was inside.
Maryland State Police officials said they concluded search efforts at 11 p.m. Friday and will resume the search at 7 a.m. Saturday.
Harford County had received 25 swift water rescue calls by 9 p.m. Friday, according to Rich Gardiner, spokesman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.
Swift water rescue teams from Anne Arundel, Howard and Carroll counties as well as Baltimore City and Chester County, Pennsylvania, have been requested to assist Harford County crews, Gardiner said.
Harford County has opened an emergency information line for those with storm-related reports and questions. Contact 410-838-5800 with non emergencies and 911 with emergencies.
Officials warn that flash floods can come without warning when there is excessive rainfall.
"Following the simple advice of 'Turn Around, Don't Drown,' could save lives during flash flooding conditions," Maryland State Police advised.