The young girl was swept in storm water through the drainage system to another neighborhood from where she started. (Photo by Google Maps.)
An 8-year-old girl is safe and recovering after being swept into a fast-moving storm drain during heavy thunderstorms in Bryant on Wednesday evening, July 8th.
The child was carried several blocks through the underground drainage system before emerging at a nearby creek and seeking help from a local family. Read more below.
The incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. when heavy rain caused sudden flash flooding along city streets. According to the Bryant Police Department, the child was caught in stormwater near the intersection of Center and Lavern streets. She was pulled into a privately owned drainage basin, originally constructed as part of the Richland Park subdivision, and rushed through the pipes until she exited into a creek near Neal Cove.
Above – The privately-owned drainage basin at Center & Lavern Streets. (Photo by City of Bryant)
The young girl managed to climb out of the creek and walked to a nearby home. Residents Danya, Brant, and Pauline Steele took her in, noting that she arrived at their door crying and afraid, but cognitive and alert. The family immediately contacted the police, who had spent 15 to 20 minutes actively searching the Lavern Street area for the missing child. She suffered several lacerations during the ordeal and was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for treatment.
Facing south in the above photo – The City of Bryant drainage system at Debswood near Neal Cove. (Photo by Google Maps.)
In response to the rescue, the City of Bryant announced immediate safety measures to prevent future accidents. Mayor Chris Treat issued a statement expressing gratitude for the child’s safe recovery. City officials confirmed they are installing fencing and “No Trespassing” signs and fencing around the drainage basin where the child entered the system. The Mayor’s statement also says the City is reviewing additional legal options for long-term safety improvements.
City leaders are strongly reminding all residents to avoid storm drains, creeks, and drainage areas during severe weather, emphasizing that fast-moving floodwaters can become deadly without warning.
