All rescued after building collapses into floodwaters in Missouri

A building collapsed into floodwaters at a campground in southeast Missouri, where officials initially said 10 to 17 people fell into the water. Everyone involved in the collapse was rescued, and five campers who were separately reported missing were also found safe.

The collapse happened Friday at Bearcat Getaway Campground near Lesterville in Reynolds County, where widespread flash flooding led to dozens of water rescues involving residents, campers and motorists.

The Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office initially said approximately 10 to 17 people may have entered the water when the building collapsed. Search and rescue teams were deployed to the campground, and officials later confirmed that everyone involved in the collapse had been rescued.

Five campers who had been reported missing from the same campground before the collapse were also found safe. The sheriff’s office said all other people reported missing or unaccounted for in the county have been located.

Emergency crews have carried out more than 90 water rescues across Lesterville and surrounding communities.

During the response, two rescue boats carrying emergency personnel capsized in the floodwaters, but everyone aboard was recovered downstream by other responders. No serious injuries have been reported.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Emergency for parts of Reynolds and neighboring counties, describing the flooding as a life-threatening situation and urging people to immediately seek higher ground. The emergency included Lesterville, Black, Bixby, Glover, Sabula and Annapolis.

Numerous roads remain closed or impassable because of high water. Highway 21 sustained damage near its junction with Highway N and has been reduced to one lane.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency in response to flash flooding across central, south-central and southeast Missouri. The order activated the State Emergency Operations Plan, allowing state agencies to coordinate assistance with local authorities.

“With additional heavy rain expected through the weekend, the threat is not over. If you’re camping, floating, or spending time near rivers and streams, move to higher ground and stay alert of weather conditions,” Governor Kehoe said. “Missourians should continue to monitor local forecasts and follow the guidance of local authorities.”