Firefighters rescue man clinging to tree after trying to cross flooded low-water bridge in Pineville

(From the Bella Vista Fire Department)

Five members of our Swift Water Rescue Team assisted McDonald County Sheriff’s Office with a water rescue overnight.

A driver attempted to cross a flooded low-water bridge on Little Missouri Road in Pineville and the water swept his truck into Missouri Creek. 

Responders were delayed to the scene after they encountered a flooded road and had to backtrack and go a different route. 

When they arrived, the man was clinging to a tree in the rushing water of the flooded creek. The vehicle was nowhere in sight. 

Great job by firefighters Earley, Heffington, Larson, Lieutard and Sanders, who rescued the man without incident. This situation could easily have gone the other way to result in a tragic outcome. Please pay attention to the weather and never attempt to cross flooded roads.