Local News
Leila Faraji and 7-Year-Old Daughter Rosa Faraji dead after being swept away by flood waters near Bixby
The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the recovery of the body of 7-year-old Rosa Faraji, who was swept away by floodwaters near Bixby, Oklahoma, over the weekend.
The discovery comes after an extensive multi-agency search that began following the incident.
Rosa’s body was found around 5:00 p.m. on Monday in the Arkansas River near Leonard, hours after the body of her mother, 46-year-old Leila Seyed Faraji, was recovered from the same area earlier that morning at approximately 9:00 a.m.
The family had been visiting the area when they reportedly took a wrong turn and attempted to cross a flooded bridge over a creek, according to the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO).
“They thought they could make it through, but unfortunately, the vehicle was overtaken by the water,” said Casey Roebuck, Communications Director for the TCSO. The family of four included a father, mother, and two young daughters.
Authorities say the vehicle was swept away, resulting in the tragic loss of Leila and Rosa.
The father and the second daughter managed to escape and survive the incident.
Roebuck described the emotional toll on the surviving family members, saying, “They’re devastated, understandably. You have a family of four that, in a matter of seconds, became a family of two. They’re now mourning the loss of a mother and a child. Our hearts absolutely go out to them.”
The recovery effort involved a massive coordinated response from multiple agencies.
“We had search dogs from Oklahoma Task Force 1, aerial support from Tulsa Police Department helicopters, drones, ground crews combing the riverbanks on foot, side-by-side utility vehicles, and multiple boats in the water since the search began,” Roebuck said.
While the outcome was heartbreaking, officials hope the recovery brings some sense of closure to the grieving family.
“They don’t have to wonder now where their wife and daughter are,” Roebuck added. “They can honor their customs and begin the process of laying their loved ones to rest.”
The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to all responding agencies and asked the public to keep the Faraji family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.