Major rescue as car gets trapped in deep flood water at Cornish ford
Firefighters from four towns rushed to St Kew, to find four people stuck on the roof
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
Four people have had to be rescued after their car got stranded in rising flood water in north Cornwall, trapping them on the roof.
Firefighters from Wadebridge, Delabole, St Austell and Bude were scrambled to St Kew Ford on Wednesday night.
It happened at the height of Storm Aurore, which triggered gales and torrential rain across the Duchy.
Kernow Weather Team reported a tornado, that was felt by locals from Portreath to Penryn.
Tweeting about the ford rescue, Wadebridge Community Fire Station said the vehicle was sat in 4ft of flood water.
They added the message #TurnAroundDontDrown - Cornwall Fire and Rescue's campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of flash flooding.
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service confirmed all those involved were safe: "Fire Control were called by police following reports of a vehicle in fast flowing water with four persons trapped inside.
"Appliances from Wadebridge and Delabole were mobilised along with Water Rescue Units from St Austell and Bude supported by an Area Manager and Group Manager.
"Whilst on route to the incident a Technical Rescue Advisor was able to speak with the caller to provide water survival guidance until the arrival of our crews.
"On arrival crews found four people on top of a vehicle in fast flowing water.
"Four firefighters in dry suits were able to enter the water and rescue the occupants using throwlines.
"All four occupants have since been rescued and are now safe".
More flood safety advice can be found on the Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service website.