DULUTH, Ga. — Nearly 30 people are safe after being rescued from the Chattahoochee River on Tuesday.
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Duluth police said the incident happened during a sudden ‘pop-up rainstorm’.
Duluth officers along with Gwinnett and Johns Creek Fire departments jumped into action to calls of multiple people stranded on the river.
According to officials, Duluth officer and Gwinnett firefighters rescued eight people, and Johns Creek firefighters rescued 20.
“A huge thank you to all our first responders for their incredible work and dedication to keeping our community safe,” the department said.
The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper said the river drains an area of 8,770 square miles and is the most heavily used water resource in Georgia.
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On Monday evening, a fellow deputy requested a Washington County deputy for backup.
According to the sheriff’s office while on his way to the call, he experienced a sudden and intense downpour, causing hazardous driving conditions.
Authorities said, that despite the deputy’s efforts to maintain control, he lost control of his vehicle, veering off the road and hitting a tree.
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