It was a sight many couldn’t believe. Dozens of people stopped by to see the aftermath of a major water rescue on Big Creek. Five people were caught in the storm near Ellis, Kansas around 11:00 p.m. Wednesday. Three were able to swim to safety.
“By the time the other two were trying to get away, the water had risen tremendously so they elected to stay put, and they held on to the roof rack of the vehicle”, said Ellis Police Chief Taft Yates.
Chief Yates said the two people were stranded for up to 30 minutes. When rescuers reached them their vehicle was completely submerged. The creek’s current carried the vehicle 200 yards downstream.
All of the victims are OK. One rescuer had water in his lungs but is expected to recover.
Chief Yates said as the water levels recede the current will get faster. He urges people to stay away from the water.