TRUSSVILLE, Ala. — A Trussville man is recovering after being swept through a 500-foot storm drain during heavy rains in late June.
Drew Owen was in his yard with his children when floodwaters began to rise. As he attempted to retrieve soccer balls near a storm drain, Owen was pulled into the pipe by the swift current. He was carried underground for approximately 500 feet, passing beneath U.S. Highway 11 and railroad tracks before managing to grab a tree branch and pull himself to safety.
Owen, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 235 pounds, said he was underwater for 30 to 45 seconds. He emerged with minor injuries, including cuts, scrapes and bruises.
The incident has prompted Owen and his family to call for improved safety measures around storm drains in the neighborhood to help prevent similar accidents, especially for children.
No other injuries were reported.