Tractor-trailer & driver swept away by Arkansas flooding

Police in northeast Arkansas used a boat to rescue the driver of a tractor-trailer that was swept away by flood waters Thursday, May 4, morning.

Submerged cab of tractor-trailer swept away in Arkansas flooding. (Jackson County Sheriff’s photo)Submerged cab of tractor-trailer swept away in Arkansas flooding. (Jackson County Sheriff’s photo)

In a statement posted to its Facebook page, the Jackson County Sheriff Department said deputies received a call at shortly before 7 a.m. Thursday from â€śa person needing help in the flood water” on State Highway 37 in Elgin. They arrived to find a tractor-trailer in flood waters with the driver still in the cab.

Trailer of tractor-trailer swept away in Arkansas flooding. (Jackson County Sheriff’s photo)Trailer of tractor-trailer swept away in Arkansas flooding. (Jackson County Sheriff’s photo)

The statement said, “Captain Ricky Morales, Deputy Glen Dugan, and Tuckerman Police Chief Justin Collom, entered the flood water by boat and was (sic) able to make it to the incident location. Officers were able to pull the driver, Ibrahim Velazquez, 63, of Florida out of the flood waters and take him to safety.

“Jackson County Sheriff David Lucas, is stressing to motorists not to bypass a road closed barricade, not only are you putting yourself in danger but you are putting others coming to help in danger as well.”

The Black River in that part of Arkansas has caused considerable flood damage.

These videos show the extent and power of the flooding in Arkansas.