2 boys drown, 2 rescued after strong currents sweep them away behind Oklahoma City dam
The four were fishing in the waters behind Lake Overholser Dam as part of a birthday celebration when two decided to go for a swim.
FOX Weather explains: Flood Safety
FOX Weather meteorologists Stephen Morgan and Britta Merwin explain the importance of flood safety.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Two boys drowned, and two others were rescued after they were swept away in rushing waters in Oklahoma City on Monday.
The four were fishing in the waters behind Lake Overholser Dam as part of a birthday celebration when two decided to go for a swim, according to FOX 25 in Oklahoma City.
Two of the boys, aged 10 and 11, entered the water, and one lost a shoe, FOX 25 reported. Two other older boys entered the water, but the dam had its water gates open, creating strong currents, and the four were swept away, according to the Oklahoma City Fire Department.
Rescue crews respond to report of four missing swimmers at Oklahoma City's Lake Overholers Dam on July 10, 2023.
(Oklahoma City Fire Department / FOX Weather)
The strong currents pulled the two boys underwater, while two others made it to a concrete ledge, according to Oklahoma City Fire.
Firefighters arrived and rescued the two trapped on the ledge. Rescuers found the body of a third boy in the water soon after.
Fire and police officials had the spillway shut down for the search efforts and even used rafts and drones to look for the missing boy.
The search operations stretched into the night to look for the fourth boy, whose body was eventually found before 1 a.m. Tuesday, according to Oklahoma City Fire.
Fire officials did not give the names or ages of the victims, but FOX 25 reported the two who died were the younger 10- and 11-year-old boys.
7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS
Heavy rain had pushed through Oklahoma City early Sunday morning, with over 3 inches falling in just hours and winds gusting as high as 70 mph at Oklahoma City's airport.