Brittny McGraw Reports On Urbana Storm Damage
Homeowners spent Monday continuing to clean up flooded basements and debris that was left. They also spent time repairing damaged foundations, roads and driveways.
The rain came down very heavy for about 45 minutes, creating flash flooding. The rushing water claimed the life of Chancelor Eckelbarger.
The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office said Eckelbarger died Saturday night after being swept into a storm drain by swift rain waters.
Authorities said Eckelbarger and several friends were playing around in a ditch just across the street from his own front porch when fast-moving water pulled him into the storm drain.
Officials estimate the child was carried through the culvert for nearly a quarter mile. Rescue crews and residents searched for nearly two hours to find him.
Eckelbarger’s mom said a farmer found her son’s body in a cornfield. Medics rushed the child to Urbana Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities said it is important to remember to use caution when near storm drains and rushing water. They said it is important to stay clear of flash flooding and to get to higher ground.
The Urbana Police Department also suffered major property damage from the strong storms.
Officials said several cruisers suffered water damage, but the worst damage was in the basement of the police department building.
There was four to six inches of water in the basement, where the property room, officer locker room, and officer work out facility are located.