Missing Woman Swept Away In Her Trailer During Hilary Flooding

SEVEN OAKS, CA — A search was continuing Tuesday for a San Bernardino County woman who was swept away in a trailer during a weekend flash flood caused by Tropical Storm Hilary, according to officials.

The woman, who was not publicly identified, was unaccounted for Monday during rescue efforts in the Seven Oaks community in the San Bernardino Mountains.

During the height of the storm, the Santa Ana River overflowed its banks near Seven Oaks, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District.

"Several structures were damaged by flood waters and debris flow. Approximately 30 residents were left stranded on the opposite bank of the river," the agency reported.

First responders accessed the area Sunday, but due to the degree of water flow and debris, including boulders moving through the riverbed, the decision was made to have the residents shelter in place overnight.

On Monday morning, Swift Water Rescue teams from San Bernardino County Fire reevaluated water conditions and again determined that a water-based rescue was too hazardous, according to the fire district.

With one resident suffering from a lower leg injury, the decision was made to bring in San Bernardino County Sheriff's Aviation Unit to attempt a rescue, which was successful.

"During interviews with the stranded parties, it was determined that one person was unaccounted for. Eyewitnesses state that an adult female was inside a trailer that was swept away in the flash flood," according to the fire district.

Rescue efforts were ongoing.

"Aviation assets continue to extract parties from the Seven Oaks area; however, some residents have declined helicopter rescue and requested to wait until flood waters recede," the fire district said Monday.

Firefighter/paramedics equipped with medical gear, food and water were dropped down by helicopter and stayed overnight with the remaining stranded residents who were expected to be rescued Tuesday.