5 killed, 2 children still missing after flash flooding in Bucks County

Five people were killed and rescuers continued searching late Sunday for two young children after flash floods swept away multiple cars in Bucks County, authorities said.

Still missing as of late Sunday were a nine-month-old boy and his two-year-old sister, who were visiting the area from South Carolina to see family and friends, Upper Makefield Fire Chief Tim Brewer said.

The family, on their way to a barbecue, was driving on State Route 532 when their vehicle was caught in the rising water, he added. Brewer told reporters the family wanted the public to know their story.

He said the missing children’s father and 4-year-old brother escaped the rising waters, while the two younger children were grabbed by their mother and grandmother. The mother’s body was recovered, Brewer said, and the Upper Makefield Township Police Department said the grandmother was rescued and hospitalized.

Officials have not publicly identified the four other people whose bodies were recovered, as authorities are still in the process of notifying their relatives.

Brewer, at a late afternoon news briefing, said teams planned to continue the search Sunday evening and into Monday, if necessary.

“We are all grieving,” he said. “However, our commitment to finding the two children will still be unwavering as we do all we can to bring them home to their loved ones.”

A team of around 100 people attempted to locate survivors Sunday along Houghs Creek near Washington Crossing, officials said. Gov. Josh Shapiro, who traveled to Upper Makefield, said his administration sent 23 members of a search-and-rescue team to aid the effort.

“All hands are on deck from the commonwealth to work together with our local partners,” Shapiro said. “We have your backs, and we will be here as long as it takes to make sure Bucks County gets back up on its feet.”

Heavy rain on Saturday evening prompted the flooding, which most severely impacted Route 532 between Aqueduct Road and Wrightstown Road, according to the township police department.

Brewer said nearly a dozen cars were on the roadway when the water rose, carrying away three vehicles. Eight people were rescued from cars, and two were pulled from the creek, he added.

“Heartbreaking situation in our river communities of Upper and Lower Makefield as a result of last night’s flash flooding,” U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who represents Bucks County, said Sunday on Twitter. “I am in communication with the rescue teams and will remain engaged until the missing are found and the roadways are clear.”

On Sunday afternoon, Houghs Creek remained muddy and swelled, puddling on nearby properties. Barricades and park rangers prevented drivers from traveling near where crews were searching.

Once the rain stops, PennDOT leaders plan to survey Route 532 to determine what repairs are needed to reopen the road, Shapiro said.

Upper Makefield Township declared a disaster emergency Sunday and asked residents to call 215-9680-3340 to report property damage.