WTHR |Flooding shuts down Columbus

Flooding shuts down Columbus

Columbus - Police are asking that people to not come to Columbus until the flooding subsides.

Water rushed into Columbus Regional Hospital Saturday, forcing the evacuation of nearly 100 patients. Helicopters, ambulances and school buses were called to the hospital around 6:30 pm to help with the evacuation. The patients are being transported to hospitals in Madison and Seymour. The basement of the hospital flooded in 45 minutes, with waters quickly reaching the first floor of the building.

Elsewhere in Columbus, city officials have asked for assistance from the National Guard to help with rescues of stranded residents as nightfall draws near. Forty soldiers from the Guard are patrolling the region Saturday night.

In addition to the guard troops, 40 Indiana State Police troopers joined 75 officers from the Columbus Police Department and 38 sheriff's deputies from Bartholomew County and 35 from Wayne County are helping secure the town.

Authorities are reporting that the 17th Street bridge over Haw Creek in Columbus has collasped. Police there are asking people not to come into Columbus and are closing the 2nd Street and 3rd Street bridges.

Other roads that have been closed in town include Eighth Street and Central Avenue, 10th Street and National Road in the area of 24th and 25th Streets. Authorities are urging drivers to stay home and off the roads if at all possible.

Phone service in Columbus is down and residents using cell phones have overloaded cell towers in the region.

Shelters have been set up for residents needing assistance or a place to stay at Columbus North and Columbus East high schools.