Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News

Police Rescue Family Trapped By Fallen Tree During Hurricane Milton

A car drives past a pile of debris from Hurricane Helene flooding, along a street that had already begun flooding from rain ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Gulfport, Fla., Wednesday, Oct.

Amid the chaos of Hurricane Milton wreaking havoc over Florida, a heartwarming story emerged as police officers in Tampa came to the rescue of a family trapped in their home after a tree crashed into it.

The harrowing incident unfolded when a terrified family, including 15 individuals, found themselves trapped inside their single-family home as the powerful storm raged on. In a moment of desperation, they placed a 911 call for help.

Fortunately, nearby Tampa police officers, who were seeking shelter themselves during the storm, swiftly responded to the distress call. Taking advantage of a brief lull in the storm's intensity, the officers managed to reach the home and successfully evacuate the residents to a nearby emergency shelter.

Tampa police officers respond to distress call during storm.
Family of 15 trapped in home during hurricane.
Officers evacuate family to emergency shelter.

Prior to leaving the scene, one of the officers took a proactive step by shutting off the main power supply to the house, potentially averting a fire hazard and ensuring the safety of the property.

Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed pride in his department's dedication to community safety, emphasizing the swift and decisive actions taken by the officers that provided the trapped family with a sense of security during a time of fear and uncertainty.

As the aftermath of Hurricane Milton continues to unfold, the Tampa Police Department issued a warning to residents about the hazardous conditions in the area. Fallen trees, downed power lines, and flooding have rendered many roads impassable, prompting authorities to advise residents to avoid unnecessary travel until the situation improves.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.