Caught On Camera: 5 People Rescued From Floodwaters In Sequoyah County

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Muldrow Fire and Rescue, surrounding agencies and even a Sequoyah County equipment operator worked together to pull five people and a dog out of high waters Wednesday night. 

A Muldrow firefighter shared video of the rescue, which started when two drivers were stranded in separate cars near Flat Rock Road, northwest of Muldrow. 

Jimmy Williams, an equipment operator for Sequoyah County, said he was called to the scene to put up closure signs but ended up being a part of the rescue efforts, using county equipment.

“It was just a road grader,” explained Williams. “We had been doing some work not too far from here, and I knew it was close, and we knew that water was rising.” 

Williams positioned the grader on one side of the vehicles. The troopers walked out on the grader blade while tethering themselves to a firefighter on the opposite side of the blade.

First responders also used a series of ropes to develop a pulley system. They got both women out through windows.

Then, on the other side of the road, they heard more people yelling for help.

“The house had slid off its foundation and water was, of course, all around, everywhere,” said Williams. 

Rescuers used the same system to get three people and a dog to safety.

Those who lived in the mobile home and house that were impacted told News On 6 they’re grateful for the help. 

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the rescues took about two hours and all victims had minor to no injuries.

Williams and all the other first responders said they don’t want the spotlight. They hope this story serves as a reminder to take weather precautions seriously and don’t drive through high water.