Flooding leads to water rescues in Delco parking lot

SPRINGFIELD, Pa. - September 2, 2013

An estimated 20 water rescues were made by fire crews and nearly 50 cars were affected by the waters.

Action News spoke to Kim Toldero moments after she got to safety.

"It was a little scary, a little nervous," she said.

Seven fire companies responded to the scene at the BJ's wholesale store on the 1200 block of Woodland Avenue.

Shoppers were caught off guard and many were told to stay inside while the waters rose in the parking lot.

While inside, shoppers say there was flooding and leaks coming from the ceiling.

"We were walking in puddles. Everyone tried to get out. They wouldn't let anyone out. The police came and said, 'No one is allowed out, if you try to get out you'll get arrested," said Valerie Furlan.

After about an hour, the rain continues to pour but shoppers tried to head to their cars.

"Then we had to trudge through the water waist high," said Toldero.

Many ruined their food and other items that they bought inside.

Authorities say some of the cars won't make it out, especially the ones closest to the drain where the bulk of the creek water gushed out.

"The parking lot is loped towards the roadway so the ones that are closer to the entranceway got more damage than the ones that are higher on the ground," said Lee Fulton, Springfield Township Fire Marshal.

Later Monday afternoon, the water finally receded and authorities say no injuries were reported.

As for the damage in store, BJ's officials have no comment.

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