Mudflow Bogs Down Hemet Roadway, Motorist Trapped Requiring Rescue

HEMET, CA — A motorist bogged down in mud that flowed onto an intersection just east of Valle Vista following heavy downpours Tuesday, requiring firefighters to rescue the driver and his passenger.

The swift water rescue alert went out about 2:25 p.m. at Blackburn Road and Highway 74, according to the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said several engine crews were sent to the location, which is a couple of miles west of the entrance to the San Bernardino National Forest, and encountered a sedan surrounded by thick mud.

The motorist and his passenger, neither of whom were identified, were waiting inside the vehicle for assistance when firefighters arrived, and the stranded parties were safely extricated, according to officials at the scene.

No injuries were reported, and it was unclear why the driver tried to plow through the roadway hazard.

California Highway Patrol officers were coordinating with Caltrans personnel on a temporary closure of Blackburn to remove the vehicle and clear the mud. Highway 74 remained open and passable, according to the CHP.

Storm cells pounded the location for nearly an hour early Tuesday afternoon.