A 71-year-old man died after his car was swept away by rushing water while trying to cross a flooded bridge in Sutter County, authorities said.
The incident highlights the danger of driving during powerful storms like the atmospheric river that hit California this weekend, and serves as a reminder to avoid flooded roads, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The driver, whom authorities have not yet publicly identified, arrived on Fifield Road west of Pleasant Grove Road around 2:30 p.m. Friday to meet a delivery driver. According to the California Highway Patrol, the man stopped on a flooded bridge over Pleasant Grove Creek, where water levels had risen 3 feet, according to CBS News.
The man, who was in a Mazda CX-5, attempted to cross the bridge despite flood warning signs and was swept off the road into the overflowing creek. KCRA 3 News reported.
The delivery driver called 911, but when authorities arrived, the vehicle was completely submerged.
A rescue crew from the Pleasant Grove Fire Department arrived at the vehicle and extricated the driver through the sunroof. However, he did not respond and was later pronounced dead around 4 p.m. Friday, according to the CHP.
The CHP recommends motorists avoid standing water, adding that “if conditions worsen, do not take risks. Delay travel if possible and never drive on flooded roads.”
The bridge, originally built in 2001 and expanded a few years later, has metal railings on its north and south ends, according to the Sutter Community Services District.
