CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) — A search and rescue mission is ongoing in Chester after a 6-year-old girl fell into Chester Creek, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The family has identified the child as Lin’Ajah Brooker.
Officials told CBS News Philadelphia they received a 911 call reporting that a child fell into Chester Creek on Saturday.
Initial reports from police indicate two girls were playing by the water when the 6-year-old girl slipped on mud and fell into the creek.
The Chester Bureau of Fire is currently working on a search and rescue operation in connection with Delaware County’s water rescue team. The Coast Guard has a small boat on the scene along with a chopper searching the area.
Delaware County emergency services brought down light towers to help search crews with visibility. Crews have also launched drones that have infrared and thermal imaging technology to help with the night search, Chester Fire Commissioner John-Paul Shirley said.
The current is moving rapidly after more than two inches of rain fell in Chester today.
“It’s very rapid currents. There’s a lot of debris in the water which poses a potential hazard to our responders, but they’ve been trained to kind of deal with those situations,” Shirley said.
Lin’ajah’s aunt, Tyeesha Reynolds, says she’s praying she will be found alive.
“They was down there playing and she went down a little too far with the other kids. And my 7-year-old daughter tried to hold her. And she was holding on to my daughter’s coat, and I guess the wind took her,” Reynolds said. “It would be terrifying for me and I’m 40. She’s six. So I’m quite sure she’s terrified.”
Emergency officials were on the scene for hours, but they suspended the search just after 10:30 p.m. Crews will be back out at 8 a.m. to continue looking for Lin’ajah.
At this time only one child is reported missing.
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
