Glance out window launches flood rescue

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The rain hit Albuquerque Saturday evening surprising one man who was swept away by flood water in an infamous arroyo.

As fast moving waters rushed down Embudo Arroyo, Albuquerque Fire Crews set up four spots to grab possible victims. They were working on reports someone had been washed away.

"Our window was cracked, and Tori said the water was gushing," Sarah Martin told KRQE News 13. "Right as I looked over I saw a man being swept away."

As she watched the drama begin from her hotel window off Carlisle Boulevard and Interstate 40, Martin called 911 at about 6:45 p.m.

Firefighters found the 37-year-old man who was able to pull himself to the side of the arroyo where they helped him out. They told News 13 he said he was just walking in the arroyo when the wall of water flushed him out.

Paramedics checked him at the scene. He was taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Crews staked out the rescue site for more victims as people watched.

"It's kind of a scary experience," said Joseph Muela, who was visiting the city from Hobbs. He said it's been a long time since he seen that much water.

"People don't realize that it's raining somewhere else and that the water can just come down like a wave and get you," said Albuquerque Fire Department Lt. Stephen Kehrer.

As for Martin, she was just glad the man was OK.

"I was surprised," she said. "I looked over right at the right time!"

The dangerous weather also affected the Albuquerque Sunport where microburst winds forced three incoming flights to be diverted to other cities, Sunport spokesman Dan Jirón said.  Two went to El Paso and one to Amarillo, he said.