Illinois first responders arrive to Central Texas flood sites to assist with search, recovery as death toll rises
Share and Follow

LEANDER, Texas (WLS) — A team of first responders from Illinois has arrived in Texas to help with search and recovery efforts after the state was hit by catastrophic floods last week.

The crew made it to the state Sunday after traveling all night Saturday.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The Illinois team arrived under grey skies Sunday morning.

The group stopped in the city of Leander for processing. They expect to start working Monday.

The team had stopped in Springfield Saturday morning to be sworn in.

The 39 team members come from fire departments around Illinois, including Chicago.

Central Texas is being hit with more rain this weekend as the search continues for the victims of the Fourth of July floods.

At least 132 people were confirmed dead as of Sunday evening, and at least 160 people are still missing.

SEE ALSO | FEMA removed dozens of Camp Mystic buildings from 100-year flood map before expansion, records show

Thousands are taking part in the painstaking search for victims. They include active duty and former navy seals, volunteering their expertise navigating difficult terrain in the Guadalupe River.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Jacksonville Unites: ‘No Kings’ Movement Sparks Powerful Protest for Equality

In a vibrant display of creativity and expression, signs, flags, and whimsical…

CHP Vehicle Struck by Shrapnel During Live Fire Event at Camp Pendleton with VP JD Vance Present: Safety Concerns Arise

During the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, an…

Tragic Plane Crash: Brett James’ Last Movements Before Aircraft Spiraled Down

The tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of country songwriter Brett…

Mid-Air Windshield Crack Forces Emergency Landing of Los Angeles-Bound Jet in Salt Lake City

An intriguing incident aboard a United Airlines flight has captured the attention…

Witkoff and Kushner Express Disappointment Over Israel’s Actions in Qatar Talks

During an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” President Donald Trump’s representatives,…

Granger Smith’s Wife Reveals How Faith Strengthened Their Marriage After Tragic Loss of Son

In 2019, Amber and Granger Smith faced every parent’s worst fear when…

Shocking Allegations: Waukegan Priest Accused of Grooming and Misconduct with Seminarians

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team Sunday, October 19, 2025 3:58AM WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS)…

CBS Editor Bari Weiss Stuns 60 Minutes Journalists with Unexpected Question: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief of CBS News, known for her anti-woke stance,…