Lincoln Boy Rescued from Floodwaters

Five-year-old recovering after being swept under bridge in Benton County

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:51pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted earth tones, with a swollen, turbulent creek cutting through the center of the frame, the water's edge obscured by heavy fog and dramatic lighting that dwarfs any physical structures or human elements.The raging floodwaters of a rural Missouri creek serve as a sobering reminder of the raw power and unpredictability of extreme weather events.Lincoln Today

A five-year-old boy from Lincoln, Missouri was briefly swept into floodwaters in northern Benton County on Thursday, April 2. The boy had been observing the rising waters from a bridge when he slipped and was pulled under the current, but was quickly rescued and taken to a hospital with moderate injuries.

Why it matters

Flooding is a major concern in the Midwest during the spring, and this incident highlights the dangers of getting too close to swollen rivers and streams. Authorities are reminding residents to 'turn around, don't drown' if they encounter flooded roads, as water rescues put both civilians and first responders at risk.

The details

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the boy had been standing on the bridge connecting Rambow Road with Beeman Avenue, about seven miles southeast of Windsor, when he slipped into the fast-moving current around 9:10 a.m. The boy surfaced not far from the bridge and was quickly rescued. He was taken to a hospital in Sedalia for treatment of moderate injuries.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, April 2, 2026 around 9:10 a.m.

The players

Missouri State Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the water rescue call.

Pettis County Fire Department

A local fire department that safely rescued two other people from floodwaters on the same day.

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What they’re saying

“Turn around, don't drown if you come across water over the roadway.”

— Pettis County Fire Department

What’s next

The boy is expected to make a full recovery after receiving treatment for his injuries.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the power and danger of floodwaters, and the importance of heeding warnings and avoiding areas with high water. First responders put themselves at risk to conduct these rescues, so it's crucial that residents exercise extreme caution around flooding.