Several rescued after trapped by flood waters in north Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Crews rescued about five people they said were trapped after flash flooding at a north Charlotte business Tuesday.

An employee said it flooded in less than 5 minutes.

"It just happened out the blue,” employee Shameek Chavis said. “Right then and there. We just had to get prepared. Right then and there. You know what I'm saying?"

The rescue efforts were underway just before noon at the recycling business on Atando Avenue.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene and saw the high waters encroaching on the building from a nearby creek.

"The water kept on rising inside the building," customer Bernard Garnder said.

He said he considered drastic measures.

"If it gets any higher, I'm going to get up on top of my truck and go higher," Garnder said.

Firefighters said the water was approximately 6 feet deep at some points.

[PHOTOS: Flooding traps several people inside north Charlotte business]

Officials boarded a small boat to get across the flood waters and into the business, where they safely transported those inside to dry land.

"When you’re working with water, it's always a dangerous situation," Capt. Dennis Gist said.

The water level dropped in less than one hour.

Fire officials said no injuries were reported.

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