Flooding on the A461 Lichfield Road at Rushall. Image from Wast Midlands Ambulance Service
Dreadful news from Walsall overnight, where a man believed to be in his 80s died after a car reportedly entered floodwater, following remarkably heavy storms in the preceding hours.
My sympathies, and those of the entire blog community and readership go out the the family and friends of the gentleman who has not yet been named. This is an awful thing to happen.
I would ask that readers be respectful of relatives and the deceased when commenting on social media, please.
Despite this news, West Midlands Police are reporting vehicles this morning driving through road closed notices. It takes only a small amount of water to sweep away your car and even less to write the engine off. Be careful.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said:
A man has died after a flooding incident
Monday 28th May 2018 – 11:00am – Murray MacGregor.
One man has died after a car was submerged in flood water.
The incident happened in Lichfield Road in the Rushall area of Walsall at about 2.20am this morning (Monday).
Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a flooded road with two vehicles in the water.
‘Firefighters who had entered the water had found an elderly man at the vehicle and taken him to an ambulance crew who were at the water’s edge. The ambulance crew carried out advanced life support before taking the man to Walsall Manor Hospital, but sadly he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
‘In total, four HART paramedics entered the water and worked with West Midlands Fire Service Technical Rescue staff.
‘A second person was found in the water but was unhurt. It is not believed that this person was from one of the vehicles. The second vehicle is believed to have been in situ for some time.
‘With the rain over the weekend, there are still a number of roads affected by floodwater. Please ensure that you take extra time on your travelling today and heed any warning signs.’
Ends
West Midlands Police also issued the following:
A man has died after his vehicle was submerged in flood water in Walsall following flash flooding that hit the region.
Police were called to Lichfield Road, Rushall, just after 2am today (Monday 28 May) to reports that a vehicle had entered the water.
The victim, who is believed to be in his 80s, was taken to hospital but pronounced dead a short time later.
His next of kin have been informed.
Ch Insp Paul Ditta, of West Midlands Police, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died today.
‘There are a number of roads affected across the region that have been badly affected by the flooding.
‘Many people will be heading away for the half term break and I’d urge people to take care on the roads and allow extra time to travel.’
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Shocking news such a tragedy my sympathy goes out to the families.