Rescue at flood-hit road prompts warning from fire service (From St Helens Star)

Rescue at flood-hit road prompts warning from fire service

3:41pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

FIREFIGHTERS rescued a man, woman and two-year-old girl after their 4x4 was surrounded by flood water on road that highways chiefs had closed.

Firefighters found water was up to the vehicle’s doors and the electrics had failed after responding to a 999 call to College Street, near Haresfinch, on Wednesday.

The road – a flooding blackspot – was one of the worst hit areas of St Helens following the torrential downpours on Monday.

It had been closed by St Helens Council, with signs erected to warn drivers.

Fire crews say the water was one foot deep and a search and rescue team had to use inflatable rafts to bring the man, woman and toddler to safety.

The vehicle was in too deep water for winching out. All three were unharmed.

Watch Manager Peter Nelson, who is with White Watch at St Helens Community Fire Station and attended the call-out, said: “The water was about half way up the 4x4’s doors.

"Drivers should obey road closure signs and should not enter water even if you have a 4x4.

“There is no guarantee what is below the surface which could include missing manhole covers or road works.”

Firefighters in water rescue kit also checked on and reassured elderly people in an area affected by flooding.

They made the visits as part of a reassurance strategy following a request from the council after some of their staff found it difficult to reach some residents following flooding.