Eleven people rescued from minibus stuck in floodwater in Essex
Fire crews were called to help the group stranded in Writtle.
Essex Fire Service is warning people of the dangers of driving through floodwater after rescuing 11 people stuck in a minibus in Writtle.
Three crews, two from Chelmsford and one from Leigh, were called to Cow Watering Lane at around 5.15pm on Tuesday 5th October to reports a minibus was stuck in the ford.
On arrival crews reported the vehicle was trapped in around four feet of water.
Firefighters from Leigh Station, who are swift water rescue trained, used inflatable lifeboats to rescue 11 people who were trapped up to their waists in water.
All of those on board were rescued by 6.33pm.
Crew Manager Tom Whiteley from Chelmsford Fire Station said: “Please do not risk driving through flooded roads. Instead, turn around and find another route.
“It takes less water than you might think for a vehicle to float and become uncontrollable. The flow of the water this evening took the minibus downstream.
“Please take care on the roads, more wet weather is due and we anticipate more flooded roads. If you are not sure how deep the water is on the road, do not take the risk of driving through it. Turn around and find another route instead.”