Flood in Grant County, Indiana

Local media reported that a 19 year old male lost control of his vehicle on State road 26, east of Fairmount, Indiana after encountering high water from a nearby stream that had flowed over the road. The vehicle flipped and the passenger compartment became submerged. A passing motorist contacted 911 and when responders arrived only one foot of the vehicle was visible. Deputies waded 30 to 40 feet off the road into roughly 3 feet of water and attached tow lines and subsequently pulled the vehicle out. The male was found unresponsive in the vehicle and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

A strong system moved through the region January 12th, bringing widespread rainfall to northern Indiana, along with a few thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts varied from three quarters of an inch in northwestern Indiana to one and one half to almost three inches along and east of Interstate 69 and south of U.S. 30. Ground conditions were frozen at the time with a frost depth of several inches. T his allowed for all the precipitation to rapidly run off to streams, creeks and rivers and cause rises in water levels and low land flooding. Several roads were closed in the area of concern, with many that are typically impacted during river flooding or other high water events. A 19 year old male lost his life as a result of driving into flood waters where his vehicle flipped, filling the passenger compartment. A rapid response in personnel occurred, but by the time he was reached and the vehicle secured he was non responsive and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.