Drivers trapped in floodwater pulled from vehicles in dramatic rescues
Emergency crews have been working tirelessly in Somerset and the wider South West this morning as people became stranded in floodwater. Multiple people attempting to drive through floodwater after days of torrential rain have found themselves trapped in their vehicles.
Around 8.20am this morning, September 30, Axminster Fire Station was called to a rescue where a person was trapped in water "up to their chest" in Whitford in Devon. After becoming trapped in the floodwater, their vehicle had electrically shut down and the driver was unable to escape.
Fire crews had to smash the passenger window to rescue the driver. They were then pulled through the window before being taken to safety by the crews.
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A second person who also became trapped in flood water at Weycroft - on the main road between Axminster and Chard - had to be rescued by fire crews today. The person and their dog became trapped in a vehicle until firefighters rescued the and walked them to safety. Both casualties were given first aid at the scene and were taken to hospital to be checked over.
Ilminster Fire Station was also called to a rescue this morning. A person became trapped in their car at Stibbear Lane near the A358 before fire fighters pulled the driver to safety.
The fire station posted a picture of the early morning rescue and said: "This morning a crew from Ilminster attended a casualty stuck in flood water at Stibbear Lane near the A358. We were assisted by a crew from Chard Fire Station and utilized our water rescue equipment. With the heavy rainfall we've experienced and are still due, please do not attempt to drive through any floodwater."
Axminster Fire Station has urged people to "stop and think" when travelling along flooded roads. It said: "Our crews have just been mobilised again to rescue someone from flood water. Please do not enter flood water! Your car insurance may be invalid if you drive into floodwater."
The Met Office issued weather warnings for wind and rain, and the Environment Agency also warned of possible floods. Follow our live blog here for the latest weather and traffic updates.
There are currently ten flood warnings across Somerset. A flood warning is issued by the EA when flooding is expected.
River Axe (Upper) from Winsham to Axminster, including Chard Junction and Weycroft
River Brit at Beaminster
River Brit at Newtown, and Southgate Old Mill, Beaminster
River Brue and Glastonbury Millstream from Lovington to Highbridge, low lying properties
River Parrett (upper) at Thorney and Kingsbury Episcopi
River Parrett (upper) from South Perrott to Thorney
River Yeo at Mudford
River Yeo from Limington to Langport
River Yeo from Sherborne to Yeovil
River Yeo from Yeovil to Limington