Moment dad carried daughter on his shoulder from her flooded school through chest-deep flood water in Maryland (VIDEO)

Thursday, May 15, 2025 - A sudden flash flood swept through the small town of Westernport on Tuesday, May 13, triggering dramatic rescues, including the evacuation of Westernport Elementary School, where students and staff members were trapped. 

The flood overwhelmed the town’s streets and sent water surging up to the second floor of the school, forcing first responders to use boats to ferry people to safety. 

A father named Dustin Nash raced toward the school as floodwater rose. 

Nash was seen in photos and video carrying his 9-year-old daughter on his shoulders through chest-deep flood water, as a nearby pickup truck began floating away. 

Nash said he arrived as the bottom floor of the school flooded, and teachers were sheltering kids on the dry upper floors of the school building, awaiting rescue. He said he was shocked as he navigated the streets toward the school. 

"I just panicked when we first saw the parking lot. I just thought what every other parent would think: I had to get to my daughter. So that’s what I did. I jumped the fence, got to my daughter, and got her out of there,” Nash said. 

“I'm not gonna sit around and wait for somebody else to come get my kid," Nash added. 

His daughter Aria, 9, said she was frightened by the experience.  

“I was really glad and thankful that he came and got me," Aria said. 

A short time later, responding rescuers used boats to bring out the rest of the children and staff at the school. 

The flooding, fueled by 3 to 5 inches of rain in a matter of hours, caused massive damage to Westernport’s downtown area and infrastructure. 

Governor Wes Moore activated Maryland’s emergency operations center, urging residents to take precautions. “I urge all Marylanders to remain vigilant, heed warnings from local officials, and prioritize safety during this time.”

In neighboring Mineral County, West Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency as communities there also contended with flash flooding and infrastructure damage.

Cleanup efforts began immediately, with residents and emergency crews working together to clear mud, debris, and water from homes, public buildings, and businesses.
 

See video below.