San Marcos First Responders rescue eight people from floodwaters

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

SAN MARCOS – San Marcos and surrounding Hays County experienced heavy rainfall Thursday night, causing flooding throughout the region. Due to the high floodwaters, San Marcos First Responders rescued eight people and two dogs.

At 1:30 a.m. first responders were called to the bridge at I-35 near Freddy’s restaurant where San Marcos Police Department personnel located two individuals clinging to a tree.

Fire crews set up Truck 3 and extended the aerial approximately 75’ to reach the two individuals, who reported exiting their car after it was swept away by fast moving water and clinging to the tree until rescuers arrived.

Then at approximately 5:37 a.m., crews responded to a report that six people needed to be rescued from flood waters at the Highway 80 bridge over the Blanco River. The San Marcos Fire Department deployed two swift-water rescue boats to located and remove five of the six individuals.

The sixth was located by SMFD and then hoisted to safety by a Starflight helicopter and crew. All six refused EMS care and transport. Two dogs belonging to the individuals were also located and removed from the area safely.

Although the Highway 80 bridge is open again, SMPD reminds the community to keep in mind that there are several low water crossings throughout the area that are currently closed. Check haysinformed.com for a map and take the proper precautions while driving.