What could have been a tragedy in Hays instead was a sigh of relief after two children were swept into stormwater flowing through Lincoln Draw.

A motorist reported seeing two juvenile girls being swept into the drainage tunnel at 19th and Lincoln, prompting a response from first responders ranging from police, sheriff and fire to ambulance and city crews.

The call came in just before 1:30 p.m. One girl was located shortly after, and the second girl reportedly also was located about 45 minutes later. Their conditions were unclear, other than they were safe.

The search, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, ranged from 19th Street to Big Creek.

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According to a news release from the Hays Fire Department, responders deployed at both the entrance to the tunnel at 19th Street to confirm the report and to the outlet just north of the bridge at Eighth Street. Fire crews set up both a primary rescue team at the outlet and a secondary team at the Eighth Street bridge to rescue the children from the swiftly moving water as they left the tunnel.

At 1:47 p.m., one 10-year-old child was rescued in good condition by Lt. Myers, Firefighter Mermis, Firefighter Brungardt and Firefighter Everett. The child was cared for and transported to Hays Medical Center by Ellis County EMS.

The second child, 14, was not immediately located and a search effort was conducted manhole by manhole as well as downstream toward Big Creek. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Fort Hays State University Police, City of Hays Public Works and Utilities staff assisted in this effort.

Police officers located the second child at her home. She had self rescued by climbing out of a storm drain connected to the tunnel. This child was also transported to Hays Medical Center by Ellis County EMS as a precaution.

The Hays Fire and Police Departments reminded all parents to discuss this near tragedy with their children and impress on them the dangers of playing in stormwater drainage features. People can be swept off of their feet by swiftly moving storm water as little as 6 inches deep. Being swept into a storm drain by fast-moving water can occur with no warning.