Iberia Parish Fire District #1 has provided more details on an incident involving a bus submerged in flood waters during Hurricane Barry.
The incident happened on Sunday, July 14, just before noon in Iberia Parish. Fire District #1 and Coteau Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a Louisiana medical truck submerged in water with people possibly trapped inside.
The vehicle was an Arc of Acadiana transportation bus that was initially transporting people to a safer location during the storm. The bus had become submerged in a roadside ditch that was around 10’ deep and 20’ wide between the Coteau and Jefferson Island exits along Hwy 90. The entire front of the bus was underwater, according to officials.
The bus had eight adult occupants with disabilities, including one which was wheelchair bound. Earlier reports listed about 12 passengers inside the vehicle.
Firefighters arrived and began a water rescue as the bus was being overtaken by water.
Officials say that rescuers entered the submerged bus through its rear window and began removing occupants one by one.
Fire personnel on scene helped with medical assistance.
According to the fire district, three bystanders assisted in the rescue efforts.
All passengers and the driver were safely rescued within approximately 10 minutes. No serious injuries occurred.
Read more about this incident which was first reported by KATC on Sunday.
