Michael Hopkins : “10+ Water Rescues Before Fourth of July in Missouri”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) – The Kansas City Fire Department in Missouri was kept busy on the Fourth of July morning as they responded to a total of 11 water rescue calls throughout the area. The deluge of rain overnight caused several creeks and rivers to overflow onto roadways and into homeless camps, creating dangerous conditions.

Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins of the Kansas City Fire Department reported that dispatchers noted water levels rising as high as 22 feet by 6:30 a.m. on the Fourth of July. The sudden rise in water levels caught many off guard, leading to multiple rescue operations.

One of the most significant rescues took place in the vicinity of Hardesty Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where three homeless individuals were trapped in a camp near the Blue River. Waking up to find their tents flooded, they discovered that some of their companions had been swept away by the rising waters and were calling out for help.

While two of the individuals were successfully rescued, the third person remains unaccounted for. Witnesses have reported seeing them downstream, but their whereabouts have not been confirmed. Chief Hopkins expressed concern that the individual may have been caught in an inline pipe under Hardesty and urged continued search efforts to ensure their safety.

The Kansas City Fire Department is committed to not leaving anyone behind or stranded, and they are dedicated to locating the missing person. Chief Hopkins emphasised the importance of calling 911 immediately if anyone finds themselves in a similar situation.

Drivers in the area also faced challenges navigating the flooded roadways, with some attempting to drive through high water despite warning signs. Chief Hopkins warned against this dangerous practice, highlighting the risks associated with submerged storm drain covers and hidden hazards.

The Kansas City Fire Department is continuing to monitor the situation and conduct follow-up checks in heavily affected areas to ensure the safety of residents and motorists.