The victims from one vehicle have been identified as Shawn Roberts, 47, and Burton Spurlock, 48, both of Laurel. The victims from the second vehicle have been identified as Felina Lewis, 35, of Laurel and three juveniles, ages 13, 7 and 4. All were pronounced deceased by the Franklin County coroner.
Next of kin has been notified for all victims.
“We are extremely thankful for the overwhelming outpouring of support by all agencies involved, as well as the many community members who assisted in search efforts,” said Franklin County Sheriff Pete Cates.
The scene is still under investigation by Indiana Conservation Officers and the Franklin County coroner’s office.
First update release as of March 20, 2020 at 7:36 p.m.
A fifth victim has been recovered from Sanes Creek in Franklin County.
At approximately 3 p.m., searchers located the fifth victim to be recovered from Sanes Creek after two vehicles were swept from the roadway this morning. The search will continue for the sixth and last victim.
Search operations will be suspended for the night due to darkness. Operations will resume tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.
Identities of the victims are being withheld pending family notification.
Original release as of 1:56 p.m.
A search is underway after floodwaters swept two vehicles off a roadway near the town of Laurel early this morning.
At approximately 5 a.m., Franklin County 911 received a call from a witness who reported seeing headlights off the roadway and hearing calls for help coming from an area near the intersection of Sanes Creek and Tee Hill roads.
Responding authorities discovered the bridge over Sanes Creek had been partially washed away.
An initial search located one vehicle, and a second vehicle was located a short time later.
At this time, responders have recovered four deceased victims and believe two individuals are still missing. The search is still underway, and updates will be provided when available.
The victims’ identities are being withheld at this time, pending family notification.
Agencies assisting on scene are Indiana Conservation Officers, Franklin County Fire Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Laurel Police and Fire, Metamora Police and Fire and Franklin County EMS.