STATE OF EMERGENCY IN PITTSBURGH – BYSTANDERS HELPLESS AGAINST RUSHING FLOOD WATERS [VIDEO]

June 24, 2018 in News, Video by D

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source: thepatriotchronicles.com
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Authorities Rush To Rescue Those Trapped By Extreme Flooding That Struck Pittsburgh

[Pittsburgh] A state of emergency was declared in Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair after storms brought heavy rains and severe flooding to the area.

High waters caused damage from southern parts of Allegheny County to Fayette County and areas in between. An Allegheny County official said swift water rescue teams were aware of at least 66 rescues. A number of those rescues were in Bridgeville, where a 14-month-old child was among those being moved to higher ground.

“At one point, we had an occupied vehicle floating down Baldwin Street,” said Bridgeville Police Chief Jack King.

The dramatic video footage shows bystanders helplessly watching as the rushing flood waters claim a vehicle. So far, one fatality has been reported but efforts are still ongoing.

As Reported By Post Gazette:

Police and firefighters, backed by swiftwater rescue crews, responded Wednesday night to numerous reports of trapped vehicles and other emergencies as rising water from torrential downpours throughout the region created havoc, sparking states of emergency in Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair.

No injuries were reported as of 10 p.m., though 911 centers and emergency crews were scrambling to keep up with calls for assistance.

The flash flooding that intensified after 9 p.m. accompanied the latest in a series of storms that moved through Western Pennsylvania during the afternoon and evening, impacting such major thoroughfares as Banksville Road at Potomac Avenue near the Dormont-Pittsburgh line and the streets near South Hills Village in Upper St. Clair.

Officials also were reporting flooding in several spots in Westmoreland and Fayette counties. In Westmoreland, the hardest hit areas appeared to be Ligonier and Donegal.

Port Authority of Allegheny County reported just before 10:30 p.m. that all rail service had been suspended due to flooding. “We are working to get shuttle buses in service as quickly as possible,” the agency said.