5 dead, 2 children missing after Pennsylvania flash flooding as rescue operations continue, officials say

02:29

5 dead, 2 children missing after Pennsylvania flash flooding as rescue operations continue, officials say

At least five people were killed Saturday and two children have been reported missing after flash flooding in eastern Pennsylvania. Nearly 7 inches of rain fell in about 45 minutes near Washington Crossing and the surrounding area of Bucks County, which resulted in rapid flooding and extensive damage.

UPPER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. – At least five people were killed Saturday and two children have been reported missing after flash flooding in eastern Pennsylvania.

Officials said upwards of 7 inches of rain fell in about 45 minutes near Washington Crossing and the surrounding area of Bucks County, which resulted in rapid flooding and extensive damage. FOX 29 Philadelphia reported that the deluge overtook vehicles near a creek in the area around 5:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday.

Bucks County Coroner Meredith Buck told reporters Monday that three victims were found Saturday and two on Sunday.

The victims ranged in age from 32 to 78 years old and include four women and one man.

FOX 29 reported that 11 vehicles were on the road when the flash flooding began, which swept away three cars that officials said were later recovered. At least one of the confirmed dead was found inside their vehicle, while another victim was found outside their vehicle, FOX 29's report added, citing local authorities.

"The cause of deaths were all weather-related," Buck said, confirming they died from drowning.

Cars are seen swamped by floodwaters in Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania, on July 15, 2023.

(Lower Makefield Township Police Department / FOX 29 Philadelphia)

Rescue crews totaling 100 people worked through the night to search the area for the people who officials said remained missing.

The Upper Makefield Township Police Department identified the two children who were missing as Matilda (Mattie) Sheils, 2, and 9-month-old Conrad Sheils.

"Their loving father, Jim Sheils, and their entire family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support," police said in a Facebook post. "They would also like to thank all of the personnel involved in this massive effort to find Mattie and Conrad."

On Sunday, the body of Katie Seley, 32, was found. Authorities confirmed she was the mother of the two missing children, according to officials. 

While the operation is being treated as a rescue, officials said during an earlier press conference that they are "fairly certain" it is a recovery.

Upper Makefield Fire Company Chief Tim Brewer said additional resources are being brought in from around the state and New Jersey to help search for the missing children.

A GoFundMe has since been set up for the family.

FOX 29 reported that crews were able to rescue eight people from their cars and two people from Hughes Creek after Saturday night's flash flooding.

Officials confirmed that none of the vehicles drove into the floodwaters, but they were already on the road when the flooding began, according to FOX 29.

Lower Makefield Township Police Chief Kenneth Coluzzi said the flooding damaged several roads throughout the town. He said some roads were washed away, and others have been blocked to traffic until safety assessments can be completed.

U.S. HAS ENTERED PEAK FLASH FLOODING SEASON

FOX 29 reported that multiple roads in eastern Bucks County were also closed because of flooding damage or fallen trees.

More heavy rain is expected across the Northeast on Sunday. About 59 million people in the region are under a Flood Watch, and forecasters warn that flash flooding is very likely from eastern Pennsylvania to southern Maine. As much as 5 inches of rain is possible in some places.

This flooding comes just days after heavy rain in Vermont caused catastrophic flooding and extensive damage in several parts of the state. At least one person was killed.