News release from Indiana Department of Natural Resources

(Franklin County, Ind.) - Emergency response personnel responded to Pipe Creek Road along a rain-swollen Pipe Creek early Sunday morning after a pickup truck had been swept away by floodwaters.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., a 911 call mobilized responders to the area in search of victims having been possibly swept away by the strong current.

Upon arrival responders found the driver of the pickup truck near the location, a 31-year-old Fayette County man, whom told responders he believed there to be an additional vehicle in the water.

The driver of the pickup truck had attempted to drive across the flooded concrete slab-type crossing through Pipe Creek. He was able to swim to shore after his truck was swept away.

Emergency responders having been unable to locate additional victims in the floodwaters postponed the search until daylight. After first light Sunday morning personnel from the Indiana Conservation Officers, Franklin County Sheriff's Department, Metamora and Batesville Volunteer Fire Departments searched the area.

An aerial search of the area was performed by personnel from Hamilton County, Ohio via helicopter.

The pickup truck was located approximately 200 yards downstream and physically searched by Indiana Conservation Officer divers.

No additional vehicles or victims were located in the search. The search was called off near midday Sunday.

Motorists not only put themselves at risk but also potential rescue personnel should they choose to ignore the dangers that attempting to drive through flooded roadways pose.

The danger that fast moving water creates is a hazard often overlooked. More deaths occur due to flooding than other thunderstorm hazards according to the National Weather Service. The main reason is current force being underestimated.

Six inches of fast-moving water can sweep a person off of their feet. One foot can move most cars off the roadway and potentially into deep water. Two feet can sweep SUVs and pickup trucks from the roadway.

Never drive where you cannot see the roadway or its markings. Be extra vigilant at night and in low-light conditions when visibility is limited.

Do not attempt to drive through floodwaters. The floodwaters may have washed the underlying roadbed away. Never drive around a barricade.

During periods of heavy rain alternate travel routes should be used around flood-prone areas.