BENTON – Thanks to the quick actions and heroic efforts of Marshall County Emergency Management Director Frank Murphy, a family is safe and sound after their mini van overturned in a creek this afternoon.
The call came in just before 11:30 a.m. this morning with responders being dispatched immediately. Marshall County Rescue Squad Chief Curt Curtner says he immediately responded to the call as did Marshall County Emergency Management Director. He adds that his swift water rescue team was on standby to assist, as well.
Murphy had been just up the road checking conditions at the county courthouse to ensure excessive rain and snow had not caused any leaks when he heard the call out. The incident occurred off of Dogtown Road (14th St.) and Valley in Benton after the driver of the van was unable to negotiate the curve due to icy road conditions.
The van careened off the roadway and came to rest on its roof top in the creek where the driver and his two children attempted to get out but where unable to open any of the doors. Murphy was second to arrive on scene behind a parcel driver who witnessed the wreck and had stopped to render assistance.
Murphy arrived on scene and waded off into the icy water utilizing a tool used to breech windows. After advising the driver to move away, Murphy was able to break the window allowing the driver and his two daughters to safely flee the vehicle.
While the family was rescued, they lost two family pets in the incident, a dog and a cat who are still missing. Animal Control is being dispatched to the area to see if they can be located. At this time, we only have a general description on the dog, possible tan and white speckled lab mix. If you see an animal loose in this area, please call Marshall County Animal Control by contacting dispatch at 270-527-1333.
In speaking of the incident, Murphy was humble to say that he certainly did not feel like he did anything out of the ordinary and only reacted in the way anyone would if in the same situation. “I certainly would not call myself a hero, I was just glad I was in the right place at the right time to be able to help someone in need.”