Man dies after being swept away by rising river in Caimito

Officers at the scene on Los Navarro Road found a Kia vehicle that had been swept away by the current. The body of the driver, who had not been identified at press time, was recovered. (Facebook via NMEAD)

By The Star Staff

A man died Monday afternoon after his vehicle was swept away by a rising river on Los Navarro Road, in the Caimito area of San Juan, the police reported.

According to authorities, a call to the 911 Emergency System alerted them to flooding in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a Kia vehicle that had been swept away by the current. The driver, who had not been identified at press time, died in the incident. The body had been recovered and several agencies were continuing to work at the scene.

Rescue units and personnel from the Office of Emergency Management responded to the scene to address the situation.

The public was urged to call 787-343-2020 if they have information that could help solve the case. They can also write to us via @PRPDNoticias or www.facebook.com/prpdgov.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan, meanwhile, issued a flash flood warning for the municipalities of Aibonito, Barranquitas, and Orocovis, effective until 4:45 p.m. Monday.

According to the bulletin, Doppler radar detected heavy rainfall associated with thunderstorms in the area, leaving between 1 and 3 inches and additional accumulations of up to 2 inches expected.

The NWS warned of the possibility of flash flooding in small streams, urban areas, roads, and poorly drained areas, as well as landslides in steep areas.

Authorities reiterated their urging against attempting to cross flooded roads, noting that most flood deaths occur in vehicles.