A heartbreaking Tragedy on the Susquehanna River unfolded Sunday as emergency crews searched for a missing 10-year-old girl swept away near the Hepburn Street Dam.
A passerby noticed three children playing in the river and quickly called 911, fearing the situation was unsafe. The South Williamsport Fire Department responded quickly. Two children were safely guided out of the water. A woman, attempting to help, was pulled over the dam but rescued by shore personnel.
The third child, a young girl, vanished in the current and has not been seen since.
Fire Chief Jeff Trammell said the girl had been floating with the other children when a sudden current pulled her away. The woman who jumped in was not initially in the water but tried to help and was also swept over the dam.
Crews spent over six hours Sunday using sonar, underwater cameras, and drones to search the Susquehanna River. Despite a large emergency response, including teams from multiple counties, the girl was not found before nightfall.
The search resumed early Monday with support from the Pennsylvania State Police marine unit. Teams expanded the search zone and continued scanning near the dam, focusing on areas where currents are strongest.
Dr. Eric Briggs, superintendent of South Williamsport Area School District, confirmed the missing girl is a third-grade student. He shared a message with families expressing deep sorrow and emphasized that school counselors would be available for students and staff throughout the week.
“Our entire district is grieving,” he said. “We are focused on helping our students through this tragedy.”
This Tragedy on the Susquehanna River has devastated the tight-knit South Williamsport community. Hope remains strong as rescue teams continue their urgent search.
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