Local News
Viral Story of Two Missing Girls Found Alive in Tree During Texas Flooding Proven False, Kerr County Officials Confirm
Widespread reports claiming two missing girls had been miraculously rescued from a tree near Center Point during the catastrophic Kerr County flooding have been confirmed false by local authorities.
The story, which circulated rapidly on social media and through local networks on Sunday, originated from unverified sources, including volunteer accounts and social media posts.
The Kerr County Lead was among the first to publish the claim, citing numerous messages and apparent eyewitness reports. However, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha later confirmed the information was โ100% inaccurate.โ
The spread of misinformation highlights the difficulties of managing reliable communication during large-scale emergencies.
With emotions running high and many families desperately awaiting word about missing loved ones, unconfirmed stories can quickly fuel false hope and emotional turmoil.
As of Monday, eleven campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for following Fridayโs flash floods, which have claimed the lives of at least 59 people in Kerr County.
Rescue and recovery operations continue across a 30-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, with over 400 first responders from more than 20 agencies conducting coordinated grid-based searches.
Officials are urging the public to rely only on verified sources for updates.
Daily press briefings are held at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and those seeking information about missing individuals should call the dedicated hotline at 830-258-1111.
Accurate updates are being shared through the official Facebook pages of the Kerr County Sheriffโs Office and the City of Kerrville.
Authorities emphasized the importance of avoiding and not amplifying unverified reports on social media during such a critical time.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. โ 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.