River Rescue Highlights Danger Of Driving Through Barricades

A river rescue late Saturday night is serving as a reminder of the danger of driving through barricades on flooded roads and the potential consequences.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says a pickup driver went through a barricade at Skyline Drive and West Dodge at around 10:45 Saturday night and drove into high flood waters and stalled.

First responders from the Waterloo Fire Department tried to rescue the driver and his passenger, but the rescue boat became damaged and sank.

A National Guard Blackhawk helicopter was called to rescue the firefighters and the two people in the pickup. The Omaha Police helicopter ABLE-1 also responded to the emergency call. 

The pickup driver and passenger were taken to the hospital for treatment of hypothermia. The first responders did not need treatment.

The sheriff's department cited the pickup driver for driving on a closed road.  Investigators plan to talk to the county attorney and city prosecutor to determine if additional charges could be filed.


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