Young girl caught in Sarasota storm drain continues to be in critical condition

SARASOTA, Fla. – A young child was swept into a storm drain following a water main break at approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The backstory:

The incident occurred due to a rupture in the water main beneath the road, resulting in a vigorous current that flooded the area.

According to investigators from Sarasota County, the rapid flow of water carried the child into a nearby storm drain, prompting emergency crews to respond urgently for a rescue operation.

Resident Tom McGee described the scene: “I saw the ambulance come up with a stretcher, and they went to where the water main break was, and then they all went running down the street.”

Assistant Chief Tim Dorsey of the Sarasota County Fire Department remarked on the swift response: “They happened to all be in station, right place, right time. They were there very quickly.”

Firefighters successfully extracted the child from the storm drain. She was subsequently taken to a hospital, where she remained in critical condition as of Monday.

Sarasota County deputies are currently investigating the circumstances leading to the incident, including the supervision of the child at the time and her activities. The child’s name and age remain undisclosed.

The water’s force caused significant damage to the road, leaving a large hole at the site of the break. Road crews worked throughout the next day to make repairs.

Big picture view:

Officials are using this unfortunate incident to remind families of the dangers associated with flash flooding and unforeseen water hazards. Dorsey stated, “If it’s not normally there, it’s going to have some dangers that might inherently arise. Be supervised. Think about that if it’s children, if it’s adults, have somebody there with you.”

What’s next:

The investigation by Sarasota County deputies continues, with no further details released by county officials. The community anxiously awaits updates on the child’s condition while road repairs are ongoing.

McGee reflected on the frightening event, stating, “It was very scary. We didn’t know whose child it was. I just wish them the best and I hope she makes a full recovery.”

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Key Information

• Location: Sarasota County, Florida
• Incident: Child swept into storm drain due to water main break
• Response: Quick action by firefighters; child rescued and hospitalized
• Condition: Child remained in critical condition as of Monday
• Investigation: Ongoing by Sarasota County deputies; focus on supervision and circumstances
• Damage: Significant road damage caused by flooding