On the evening of Sept. 22, 2026, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) responded to an emergency call reporting that a woman had been swept away in the Embudo Arroyo near the Hendola NE area. The call came in at 6:39 p.m., prompting crews to mobilize quickly to the flood channel.
Search effort and findings
AFR teams arrived on scene and began a thorough sweep of the arroyo, looking for any sign of the missing woman. After an extensive visual inspection, crews found no individual matching the description provided by the caller.
While continuing the search, the responders made contact with a different individual who reported that he had slipped into the arroyo earlier in the evening. The man was able to climb out on his own near the Morningside NE area, but he required medical evaluation for possible injuries sustained during the fall.
Paramedics from Albuquerque Ambulance assessed the man on site and then transported him to a local hospital for further care. The patient’s condition was described as stable, and he is expected to recover fully.
Search termination
AFR crews remained stationed along the flood channel for approximately 30 minutes after the rescue, maintaining a presence in case additional victims were discovered. With no further leads and no contact with a missing woman, the department concluded the operation and terminated the search at around 7:10 p.m.
Officials emphasized that the rapid response and coordination among fire, ambulance, and local law‑enforcement agencies helped ensure the safety of the individual who fell into the arroyo. While the reported missing woman was not located, the department will continue to monitor the area and encourage anyone with information to contact authorities.
Public safety reminder
Seasonal flash flooding and high water levels in arroyos can create hazardous conditions, especially after recent rainstorms. Residents are urged to avoid walking or driving through swollen channels, to heed posted signage, and to stay informed about weather updates from the National Weather Service.
AFR reminds the community that calling 911 for any water‑related emergencies can save lives. Prompt reporting allows first‑responders to act quickly and allocate resources where they are needed most.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
