Flash flood kills 5 children, 4 adults at Arizona swim hole
Posted July 17, 2017 5:29 am.
Last Updated July 17, 2017 5:35 am.
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Adults, teens and children as young as two were enjoying a summer afternoon by cooling off in an Arizona creek when the gentle waters turned deadly.
A Saturday storm unleashed six-foot-high floodwaters, dark with ash from a summer wildfire, onto the unsuspecting family and friends visiting a Tonto National Forest swimming hole. The torrent carried away tree branches and other debris and left a wake of nine bodies.
Rescuers recovered the remains of five children and four adults. Their identities have not been released.
A 13-year-old boy from the same group was still missing Sunday.
Authorities planned to resume the search for the boy Monday using a helicopter as well as search dogs.
The National Weather Service estimated up to 1.5 inches of rain fell over the area in an hour.