Girl, 9, survives being swept into storm drain, carried over 200 yards through drainage system

BRYANT, Ark. (KTHV) - A 9-year-old girl is recovering after being swept into a storm drain in Arkansas during heavy rain Wednesday evening,

The girl was playing outside with her cousin when she slipped and fell into the drain, according to Bryant Mayor Chris Treat.

“And her cousin tried to pull her out, but the current was too strong and took her in,” Treat said.

According to authorities, the girl ended up traveling more than 200 yards through the drainage system.

Her family called 911 immediately. Bryant Police Officer Chris Carnley, one of the first officers on scene, said search efforts began right away.

“Officers were already basically swimming into the ditch looking for her. The water was moving really fast, and we needed to find out where that drain ended,” Carnley said.

After a call to Bryant Waste Management, officers learned the drain emptied into a creek more than a mile from where the girl entered.

The current carried her about the length of two football fields before she was able to get out and make her way across a street into a nearby neighborhood.

A resident in that neighborhood called 911 after the girl appeared at their door soaking wet.

“A little girl just showed up at our house. She’s soaking wet, and she needs some help,” a dispatch recording captured.

Carnley said the call brought the relief officers had hoped for.

“They had met me on the front porch and you know, she had scrapes, all that stuff, and I’ve never received a hug so big in my life,” Carnley said.

The girl was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for treatment.

Mayor Treat said the storm drain’s location is out of compliance, noting it lacks required fencing and warning signs. The lot is owned by a private LLC, but the city is taking immediate action.

“We’re making sure that we put up a brand new fence, take care of all this, make sure that it’s safe, and then we’ll deal with the property owners later,” Treat said.

The drain has since been taped off.

Carnley said the incident served as a reminder of how quickly situations like this can turn.

“You kind of think like, oh, what if that was my kid when you walk up and you just see how deep the water was just right here alone. Yeah, it’s gut-wrenching,” Carnley said.