Girl swept 100 yards into drain after water main break on Florida street
Investigators report that a young girl was swept into a storm drain shortly after 6 PM on Sunday following a water main break in Sarasota. While playing near a culvert with other children, she was caught by a powerful current that developed due to the gushing water from the incident, which resembled a waterfall cascading down the street. Neighbor Tom McGee provided footage from a Ring doorbell camera, showing approximately four feet of floodwater on the street. Emergency crews quickly responded, realizing that the girl had been swept into the drainage system.
She was carried nearly 100 yards through the drain before firefighters managed to rescue her. Following the rescue, the girl was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she was reported to be in critical condition. A woman living nearby expressed her gratitude toward the rescue workers and requested prayers for the girl, acknowledging the need for a miracle for her recovery.
Residents began to notice something amiss when water pressure in their homes suddenly dropped, coinciding with the onset of street flooding. McGee recalls the community’s immediate concern for the child’s safety upon realizing a girl was missing.
Girl swept 100 yards into drain after water main break on Florida street
Updated: 11:01 AM EDT Aug 26, 2025
The incident took place at 5433 Bahia Vista Street around 6:15 PM, as per the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Following the water main break, a nearby child was swept into the drainage system by the strong water flow. With repairs ongoing, the road has been closed and several residents are placed under a boil water notice due to the break in a 12-inch water main.
The girl was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and remained there in critical condition the following Monday. A neighbor noted low water pressure in his home as a result of the break.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with flooding and infrastructure failures. Community members and local officials are now working together to manage the aftermath effectively.
WFLA reports that the powerful flow of water from the break led to the child being swept away.
The city shared that the contractors worked overnight to fill the damaged section of Bahia Vista Street. The incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding water infrastructure, especially in adverse weather situations.
Key Information
Incident Time: Approximately 6:15 PM, Sunday, Aug 24
Location: 5433 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota
Outcome: Girl swept nearly 100 yards into a storm drain, hospitalized in critical condition
Water Main Status: A 12-inch main break; boil water notice issued for residents
Community Response: Emergency crews and local residents expressed concern and offered prayers for the child’s recovery
Article original publish date: 2025-08-26 15:01:00
Article source: www.wesh.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.wesh.com
