Floodwaters Trap Driver at Eden Bridge, Force Closure of Pima Bridge
Rising floodwaters created dangerous conditions across Graham County on Monday, Nov. 2, prompting emergency responders to rescue a motorist trapped at Eden Bridge, close Pima Bridge and respond to an overturned semi-truck along U.S. Highway 70.
One of the most serious incidents occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. at Eden Bridge, where a small car became trapped in rising floodwaters. A caller reported seeing the vehicle floating in the water with its hood submerged and an occupant still inside.
According to the Graham County Sheriff’s Office incident report, deputies and emergency personnel were dispatched, and search-and-rescue resources were placed on standby. Authorities instructed other motorists to turn around and prevent additional vehicles from entering the flooded area.
At approximately 7:44 a.m., the driver managed to exit the vehicle and walk to safety. Dispatch later confirmed there was one occupant and that the individual was safe. Search-and-rescue resources were canceled, and the highway department was contacted to block the roadway and install additional barricades.
Flooding also forced the closure of Pima Bridge later Monday morning. At approximately 12:08 p.m., a caller reported water flowing over the south side of the bridge at a substantial rate. Dispatch notes indicated the water was approximately one foot deep and continuing to rise, with some trucks still attempting to cross. The highway department was notified, and the bridge was subsequently closed. Emergency alerts were also issued regarding the closure.
Another significant incident occurred around 10:08 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 70 and U.S. Highway 191, where a semi-truck had overturned. The driver was able to exit the vehicle and was walking around the scene. Dispatchers were advised that an unknown fluid was leaking from the truck. The Arizona Department of Public Safety was notified, and emergency medical personnel were asked to stage nearby. No injuries were reported in the initial incident notes.
Deputies also responded to a report of a missing 2-year-old girl on West Impreza Lane shortly after 10 a.m. The caller reported that the child had been missing for approximately 15 minutes. The child was subsequently found in front of a van, and dispatch notes indicated she had no apparent injuries.
Other incidents included a report of a truck taken without permission, a wanted person who was reclassified as an escape case, a suspicious-person complaint near a residence on West Doggie Drive and a report of two horses, one possibly dead and the other in poor condition, along North Desert Sage Road near Fort Thomas.
The Sheriff’s Office recorded 22 incidents in the report, covering activity beginning Nov. 2 and extending into the morning of Nov. 3.
The incidents highlight the hazards created by rapidly rising water throughout the county. Motorists should never attempt to drive through flooded roadways or washes, as even relatively shallow water can make travel dangerous.
