AURORA, Colo. — Crews rescued three people from two separate vehicles that got caught in rushing flood waters outheast of Denver International Airport Friday afternoon.
One of the rescues occurred on East 56th Avenue just east of E-470, Aurora Fire Rescue (AFR) said. South Metro Fire Rescue and Bennett-Watkins Fire Rescue crews were also on scene.
The SUV was caught in the flood waters of Boxelder Creek, according to AFR.
AFR said their crews coordinated with South Metro dive team members to communicate with the stranded people. At least one drone was launched to assess the best way to safely get the stranded people out.
Crews said there are six pipes below the road where the people are trapped that move the creek's water normally. Due to the flooding overtaking the road, crews worked to find a safe launch site so that rescue swimmers would not get sucked into the pipes.
The two people in the SUV were safely pulled from the waters after close to an hour of being stranded.
Another vehicle was trapped in the water on Hudson Road, which is in the same area. One person was rescued from inside that vehicle and was not injured, Aurora Police said.
Officials warn people to not drive through flood waters. Eight to 10 inches of water can lift an average-sized car, CDOT said. Two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
In addition, water and mud can hide unknown hazards underneath the surface including rocks, tree branches and other debris. CDOT recommends waiting for water to subside before driving if the road is not visible.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Severe Weather