TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Fire Department’s water rescue training paid off, Tuesday evening.
Alfredo Mendoza and Rafael Jacob were saved after they found themselves trapped underneath the Mingo Creek bridge at E 41 Street.
Once first responders had a plan, it took less than 10 minutes to get the men out of rushing water.
Mendoza and Jacob say they spent an hour-and-a-half underneath the bridge.
Mendoza said, “The tornado came and we went under to get away. It was dry [the creek], but the water rose.”
The men held onto the underside of the bridge in waist-high water.
Bryan Lloyd, Chief Officer for the Tulsa Fire Department, said, “Within 60, 120 seconds, the water level rose; they couldn’t get back out. Six inches of water moving that fast -- as soon as you step in it, no matter how big or strong you are, you’re getting swept off.”
So, the first thing they did was drop life jackets. Then, ropes. They relied on the current to push them onto the bank
“We lowered a rescue line to them and we told them to just let go. The current was so strong we knew it would push them to one side,” said Chief Officer Lloyd.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
