A pair of Italian tourists are recovering in a Garfield County Hospital after a hellish experience brought on by the raging flood waters of the Paria River.
Sussana Dursi, 47, and 62-year-old Roberto Bellocci from Italy were returning to their campsite at Kodachrome Basin State Park Late Saturday night. After crossing a bridge spanning the Paria River the ground beneath the road suddenly gave way causing the car to plunge into the river. The road base under the asphalt had eroded away due to heavy flooding.
The car was tossed and pummeled by the torrent approximately 150 yards downstream where it finally came to a stop upside down in the middle of the river. The couple was able to escape through a broken back window and climbed on top of the overturned car.
Another passing motorist reported the road damage to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office without knowing of the couple's fate. Upon investigating the damage, a Garfield County deputy heard faint cries for help over the noise of the rushing water. With his spotlight he was able to locate the couple in the darkness.
The Garfield County Search and Rescue swift water team was deployed. Both individuals suffered extreme hypothermia and were transported to Garfield Memorial Hospital where they are expected to make a full recovery.