6 rescued after 2 vehicles drive into floodwaters in Murfreesboro

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — A total of six people were rescued from two flooded vehicles in Murfreesboro after Saturday's severe weather across Middle Tennessee.

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department reported crews were called to Shalom Street after a vehicle drove into a flooded waterway.

No injuries were reported in the vehicle flooding or rescue attempt. However, fire officials emphasized how driving into high waters is extremely dangerous and offered several reasons why you should always "TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!"

you Can’t See the Depth or Road Condition – Just a few inches of water can hide washed-out pavement or strong currents.

It Takes Less Water Than You Think – As little as 6 inches of water can stall your vehicle, and 12 inches can sweep it away.

Fast-Moving Water is Deadly – Floodwaters can carry debris, create strong currents, and trap you inside your vehicle.

Rescues Put Others at Risk – Emergency crews have to put their lives on the line to save drivers who get stranded.

Stay Safe: If you see water over the road, DO NOT RISK IT! Turn around and find an alternate route. It’s not worth your life.

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department

A few hours later, the department announced crews saved two more individuals from a stranded truck after they drove around two high water barriers and got stuck in rising floodwaters under the train tracks on West College Street. First responders had to use a boat to bring them back to safety.

There is no word on the conditions of the two people rescued from the flooded vehicle.

"High water warnings and barricades are there for a reason!" fire officials posted on Facebook on Sunday, March 16. "Ignoring them puts your life and emergency crews at risk. Just a few inches of water can sweep away a vehicle, and road conditions beneath the water can be unpredictable."

The department did not specify when either incident occurred in Murfreesboro.

Multiple emergency response agencies across Middle Tennessee have posted about water rescue operations in the aftermath of the severe weather.

For example, the Giles County Sheriff's Department said it conducted a swift water rescue on Saturday, March 15 when a couple motorists tried to cross a flooded road and their vehicle was disabled. Giles County Fire and Rescue posted a video Sunday afternoon of two people being saved from a car that was swept off the road the night before, adding in the caption that five people had been pulled from the water in the previous 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Chapel Hill Fire Department said it worked with state park rangers to rescue 10 people and one dog around the River Road RV Park who were trapped by floodwaters.