On Monday, authorities in Ohio reported a tragic incident on a river in the state where five people lost their lives. The tragedy unfolded as several individuals jumped into the water to rescue a companion who was struggling, leading to the unfortunate outcome.
According to reports by the Associated Press, the group had gathered by the Scioto River in Powell, a suburb of Columbus, when one person went swimming in the river on Sunday. “The tragedy started from that moment,” said Jeffrey Balzer, the Sheriff of Delaware County, during a press conference.
Balzer explained that following the initial swimmer, others jumped in the water to try to help, but ended up in distress themselves.
A driver passing by saw a frightened child from the group running along a nearby road seeking help and immediately called 911, Balzer said.
Rescue teams were able to retrieve two women later on Sunday evening, but they were pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. Tracy Whited, a spokesperson for the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, stated that three additional male bodies were found in the river on Monday. Authorities did not disclose the specific location where the bodies of the victims were discovered.
Data from water level monitors at a nearby dam set up by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the river’s water levels were high and the flow was swift on Sunday. The data showed that the flow rate on Sunday was approximately 350 cubic feet per second, more than four times higher than three days earlier and twice the average flow rate.
A sheriff in Ohio mentioned that the child who sought help and triggered the 911 call had been taken into the care of the child welfare department along with another child under 10. He said that efforts were underway to notify the families of the victims.
Balzer stressed the importance of understanding the water conditions and taking preventive measures when engaging in activities near water to avoid sudden accidents.
“Before going into the water, know your swimming ability. Are you confident in your swimming skills?” Balzer said. “Make sure there’s someone with you so that in case of an emergency, they can alert others for help promptly.”
Just two days before this tragedy, another incident occurred in southern Utah where five individuals on a hiking trip were swept away by sudden flooding in the picturesque red rock canyons and lost their lives.