Election day flood disaster: Polling station workers dead
While the US is experiencing election excitement, five people, two of whom were polling station workers, lost their lives in flooding in the state of Missouri.
The US state of Missouri was hit by floodwaters on Election Day. Extensive flooding occurred in parts of Missouri yesterday.
In Wright County, Missouri, a 70-year-old man and a 73-year-old woman lost their lives in a vehicle swept away by floodwaters. State police reported that the couple’s bodies were found more than four hours later.
Wright County Elections Officer Loni Pedersen confirmed that the deceased were election workers.
Fire crews reported that they rescued 10 people from vehicles swept away by floodwaters.
The Wright County Clerk’s Office confirmed that the two deceased people were on their way to work the polls in Wright County before they drowned. The Wright County they were quickly located by a Wright County drone used by Sheriff Byerley.
The Wright County Clerk’s Office have also released the following statement:
“The Wright County Clerk’s Office is saddened by the loss of life that occurred early this morning of two poll workers. Mrs. Pederson, the Wright County Clerk, is not releasing their names out of respect and privacy to the family, as reported by the Wright County Sheriff. This loss of life occurred as a result of swift, high water from the storms that came through the area the night before. This is a tragic loss for Wright County. They were dedicated citizens who valued fair and honest elections. They will be missed. Ms. Pederson states, ‘This is a terrible loss for Wright County. This couple were wonderful people who donated their time to serve their community. We will miss them dearly and the service they provided to my office.’”
