On Monday morning, heavy rain caused floodwaters to surge onto a local road in Port St. Lucie, pushing a van into a nearby canal. The driver was able to call 911, and a police officer arrived in under two minutes, as shown by body‑camera footage, according to WPBF.
The officer entered the water immediately, first pulling the driver from the vehicle. With assistance from firefighters, he then rescued Maria Andrade, who was trapped in the back seat. Andrade, a Spanish‑only speaker, was unable to unlatch her seat belt as the van began filling with water. Her son, Raul Morales, relayed her account to WPBF, describing how the rain was so intense that the road became indistinguishable and the water rushed into the van.
“She could hear the water just gushing in there. That’s what pretty much told me, ‘Uh oh. I’m in trouble,'” Morales said. The driver told police that the only viable exit for Andrade was through the rear of the van. One rescuer entered the vehicle, pushed while others pulled, and successfully extracted her.
Andrade expressed gratitude for the swift response, noting that the officer’s quick arrival prevented her from feeling scared. “She wants to thank the first responders for being really, really on top of it,” Morales added. “There’s no words for it.”
The incident underscores the challenges Port St. Lucie residents face during severe weather events and the importance of rapid emergency services. Local officials continue to monitor weather conditions and advise motorists to exercise caution on flooded roads.
What’s next: Residents are urged to stay informed about upcoming weather forecasts and to avoid travel on flooded streets. The Port St. Lucie Police Department reminds the public to call 911 immediately if they become trapped or witness a vehicle in danger.
Sources: wpbf.com
