Seven motorists missing after flash flooding in Fenton, Missouri National Guard called in to help

Seven cars were swept off of Interstate 44 near Highway 141 and seven motorists are missing after flashing flooding of the Meramec River in Fenton between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13.

The governor has declared it a disaster area and is asking for federal help after 420 people have been forced to evacuate their homes and more than 700 homes or businesses. “Search and rescue for the people still missing is our topmost concern. The height of the

water and fast-moving current have made that task challenging. We’re asking people to

stay out of the area so we can do our work.” Sally Waters, Deputy Director, Missouri Management Agency says.

Photo by David Carson, dacrson@post-dispatch.com

The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the former Chrysler plant in Fenton for residents who need assistance. Missouri Management has called in mutual aid to help in the rescue, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri National Guard. Two hours before the flash flooding was reported nine inches of rain fell. A spokesperson for Missouri Management Agency says this is the worst flash flooding to hit the area since 1993.

The upcoming rock and mineral show at the Fenton Holiday Inn has been cancelled and the soccer park is closed for the foreseeable future as it is under approximately 15 feet of water. The westbound I-44 bridge remains closed over the river due to receding floodwater.