Man Feared Dead After Being Swept Away In Pittsburg County Floodwaters

The Pittsburg County sheriff tells News On 6 that crews have suspended the search and rescue operation for the a man swept away in floodwaters.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division paused it, saying the water is rising too quickly and it's just too risky to send rescuers now.

Emergency crews said the 35-year-old man drove into a flooded area on Ragan Road in the Scipio area about 2:30 a.m.

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Authorities said the man didn't realize how deep the water was, and had to get out of his truck and hold onto a tree to avoid being swept away. He was on the phone with his roommate at the time, who rushed to the scene to try to rescue him.

But by the time his roommate arrived and got into the floodwaters himself, the victim's truck was submerged underwater and he was nowhere to be found, officials said.

The roommate called 911 and was rescued by swift water rescue, and he now is stable at a hospital.

Authorities said the water already has risen more than 4 feet since Sunday morning. They're hoping to continue the search tomorrow morning if conditions allow.