Motorists urged again to avoid floodwater risk

TWO people were rescued from a van stuck in floodwater last night (Tuesday, January 28, 2014) near Martock.

It has prompted the Fire Service to once again advise motorists not to risk driving through floodwater.

Firefighters from Martock, Somerton and Yeovil were mobilised just after the call for help was made at 7pm last night to the B3165 Load Bridge on Long Load Road near Martock.

Four officers donned drysuits and used an inflatable boat to rescue two people who were stranded in a van which was stuck in 18 inches of water.

Now the Fire Service has repeated its appeals for people to think first before attempting to drive through floodwater.

Area manager Phil Martin said: “Your car can float in as little as 30cms of water and it takes much less than that to knock someone off their feet.

“People must ask themselves – is it worth gambling with your car and maybe even your life to take the shortest route home rather than take a detour on a safer journey.

“Floodwater can cause significant and expensive damage to your car, but it can also cost the lives of you and the people with you.”

He also reminded motorists that while the Fire Service responds to save life in emergencies, it does not recover vehicles stranded in floodwater afterwards.

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