Rescuers recover van of missing family of six
HOUSTON: As Houston flood waters began to subside, rescuers said they have recovered a submerged van that was swept away with a family of six believed to be on board.
Manuel and Belia Saldivar and four of their great-grandchildren ranging from six to 16 years in age went missing at the weekend, as they were attempting to escape from rising floodwaters.
“We are sad to report we have found a van inundated by Greens Bayou flooding while purportedly carrying 6 family members Sunday,” the Harris County Sheriff’s office tweeted.
Police were able to see the bodies of two adults in the front seats, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, with the back of the vehicle still submerged, and the children unaccounted for.
The white van became stuck in muddy water in a wooded area, and started floating away in the current, according to accounts by police and Rick Saldivar, whose brother Sammy was driving it at the time.
Sammy Saldivar was able to climb out of the driver’s seat, but not to extricate his relatives, Rick Saldivar said.
“The bad thing is he said he kept hearing the kids screaming,” Saldivar told television station Khou.
“That’s what he’s hearing in his head over and over.”
Police officers called to the scene on Sunday were unable to help the other family members as the van was already submerged least four feet below water, said Gonzalez.
A chaplain and the medical examiner were at the scene Wednesday, and family members were standing by as police prepared to tow the van out.
“They’re very saddened, obviously,” Gonzalez said. “They’re struggling with it.” — AFP