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6 dead, including 3 children, after floodwaters sweep 2 vehicles off roadway in Franklin County

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Posted at 2:40 PM, Mar 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-21 14:22:25-04

FRANKLIN COUNTY — Six people, including three children, died after floodwaters swept two vehicles off the road early Friday morning in Franklin County.

According to information from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the victims from one vehicle were identified as Shawn Roberts, 47, and Burton Spurlock, 48, both of Laurel. In the second vehicle, Felina Lewis, 35, of Laurel, and three children aged 13, 7 and 4, died.

At 5 a.m. Friday, Franklin County authorities received a call from a witness who reported hearing cries for help and saw headlights off the roadway, near the intersection of Sanes Creek and Tee Hill roads.

When responding authorities arrived, they discovered the bridge over Sane Creek had been partially washed away.

Responders recovered five deceased victims Friday. The sixth victim was found Saturday morning.