Seven Motorist Missing Due to Flooding- 420 People Evacuated

Cars swept off the Westbound I-44 bridge, that still remains closed

By: Mada Brielmaier, Andrea Porter, Liam Stover, Michael Treviño

Fenton, Mo.- Early Wednesday morning, flooding of Interstate 44 near Highway 141 led to seven cars swept off the road and seven motorists still missing. Westbound I-44 bridge remains closed over the river. Flash floods in Fenton damaged 700 homes and businesses. The worst flash flooding to hit the area since 1993, according to officials. Nine inches of rain fell in the two hours before the flooding even started, leading Gov. Mike Parson to declare Fenton as a disaster area and is asking for federal help.

“Search and rescue for the people still missing is our topmost concern,” said Sally Waters, Deputy Director of the Missouri Management Agency.

Missouri Management called in mutual aid to help in the rescue including the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Missouri National Guard. Four people were rescued in the search.

“The height of the water and fast-moving current has made that task challenging,” said Waters.

For disaster relief services, The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the former Chrysler plant in Fenton.

“We’re asking people to stay out of the area so we can do our work,” said Waters.

Stay tuned for updates as the story develops.