Flood drama as 10 rescued after torrential rain

Cars became stuck in flood water after more rain fell on first day of August than in the whole of July

TEN people had to be rescued by firefighters when their cars became stuck in flood water following torrential rain on Monday night.

Two fire appliances and a rescue tender from Bridgend fire station were called to a single-track lane off Roger’s Lane in Laleston at 12.35am to rescue four people stranded on the roof of their car after more rain fell on the first day of August than in the whole of July.

Watch manager Chris Jones said the engine had cut out in flood water.

The three men and one woman inside the small hatchback then climbed out of the car and sat on the roof until help arrived.

Mr Jones said the water was a few feet high and firefighters were able to help the stranded group wade to safety.

Firefighters from Kenfig Hill, near Bridgend, were also called to rescue a man stranded in a car in fast-flowing water on Marlas Road Lane, North Cornelly, at 12.30am.

Then shortly before 4am, Bridgend crews were called out once again.

Mr Jones said a people carrier on the way to the airport had become stuck in flood water near the Dipping Bridge in Merthyr Mawr.

“There were five people inside. Two of them were children,” he said.

“The engine had cut out and they were still in the car when we arrived.

“We used an inflatable walkway and a wading team to get the people out. The walkway was mostly used to remove their luggage. The two children and a female adult were carried to safety.”

He added: “Drivers shouldn’t drive into flood water as you cannot know how deep it is and your engine could cut out even if it’s not that deep.

“And if there’s any flow in the water and the vehicle is side on, it can be pushed or turned.”