Ala. man survives being pulled into flooded drainage pipe, carried 500 feet underground
A man in Alabama survived a harrowing ordeal last week after he was sucked into a flooded drainage pipe and swept hundreds of feet through an underground pipe system during severe weather. According to NBC affiliate WVTM 13, local resident Drew Owen was attempting to grab his children's soccer balls from rising waters when he was pulled under.
In an interview with WVTM 13, Owen recounted how he was rapidly sucked under and into the rushing water, leaving him disoriented and without any time to gasp for air. Owen estimated he was underwater for 30 to 45 seconds as the flood waters carried him through the underground pipe system more than 500 feet — passing under a major highway and set of railroad tracks before he surfaced.
Owen amazingly survived with only minor injuries. He and wife Kasey expressed relief, knowing the outcome could have been much worse. Now, they’re pushing for safety improvements to prevent others from facing a similar fate.
Trussville’s mayor has since visited the site. City officials say the drainage pipe was originally installed by the state, and that some of the affected land is privately owned. The city’s public works department is currently reviewing options to improve stormwater safety and reduce future flooding risks.
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