When flash‑flooding turned a local road into a river on Monday morning, a Port St. Lucie police officer was on scene in less than two minutes and rescued two occupants from a sinking van. The swift response underscores the dedication of first‑responders who protect families across St. Lucie County, especially when severe weather threatens daily life.
The incident
Maria Andrade was returning home from a doctor’s appointment when floodwaters pushed her van into a canal. The driver managed to call 911, reporting that the vehicle was filling with water and that Andrade, seated in the back, could not release her seat belt.
According to an exclusive interview with WPBF 25 News, Andrade’s son, Raul Morales, translated his mother’s account from Spanish. He said the rain was “really, really hard,” making it difficult for his mother to see the road. As the water rose, Andrade heard it gushing inside the van and realized she was in danger.
Rapid police response
The officer’s body‑camera footage shows him arriving at the canal shortly after the call. He entered the water, first pulling the driver from the vehicle. With assistance from firefighters, the officer then entered the van, helped free Andrade’s seat belt and pulled her to safety.
“She couldn’t even see the road. It was just water,” Morales recalled. “She could hear the water gushing in there. That’s what pretty much told me, ‘Uh oh. I’m in trouble.’”
Community gratitude
Both Andrade and her son expressed deep gratitude for the “quick” and “on‑top‑of‑it” actions of the first‑responders. “There’s no words for it,” Morales said. “Thank you for helping her out and for being there for her.”
The driver told police that the only way to extract Andrade was through the back of the van, and the rescue team worked together – one person pushing while others pulled – to bring her out of the vehicle.
Why this matters
Florida’s rainy season brings frequent flash floods that can turn ordinary streets into hazards. Stories like this highlight the importance of well‑trained police, fire, and emergency personnel who act decisively to protect families. Their presence reassures residents that, even when weather turns dangerous, help is only a 911 call away.
Local officials continue to remind drivers to avoid low‑lying roads during heavy rain and to heed flood warnings. The incident also reinforces the need for community awareness about the dangers of driving through standing water.
Looking ahead
Port St. Lucie’s emergency management team is reviewing the flood response to identify any improvements. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and the city’s emergency alerts system, especially during the upcoming storm season.
The rescue stands as a reminder that public servants in St. Lucie County remain vigilant, ready to protect citizens when nature turns unpredictable.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
