A massive mudslide in San Bernardino County on Thursday is likely the reason behind an unusual friendship after trapping several drivers for hours.
Two couples, headed to different destinations, were left stranded on State Route 38 after significant rainfall in the area triggered mudslides, prompting a complete road closure.
Kael and Jo Steel were on their way to Knott’s Berry Farm from Big Bear when they began to see the frightening debris flow come down, washing away the road.
“The rain started pouring down really hard, and suddenly we started seeing rocks and stuff start coming down the side of the mountain,” said Kael. “Then we were stopped by a Caltrans truck, about half the road was full of mud, he waved us through, and then on our way down, the cars started coming back up, telling us that to turn around, the road is blocked ahead.”
Cal Trans had shut down about a two-mile stretch of the road in both directions just after 4 p.m. due to heavy flooding and mudslides.
The couple was stranded in the middle with no way out as crews worked to clear the road. Several more drivers were trapped, and among them was a Cal Trans employee, according to Steel.
While waiting for rescue, the Steel’s met Siena Hermon and Jake Schoolfield, a couple that was on their way to LAX to catch a flight to Spain.
“Chaos broke out and we were just stranded and we’re like, well, I guess we’re not going to Spain. So yeah, that’s kind of how that went for us,” said Schoolfield.
The group quickly bonded over the situation and even shared the limited food supply, a single granola bar.
Cal Trans did not immediately inform the group when they would be able to drive off. At one point, the group says they were even told they were going to be helicoptered out.
“We’re not taking anything for granted right now, like we can’t believe anything at this point until we’re actually driving out of it,” said Hermon.
As of Friday morning, Cal Trans did not have an exact time as to when the road would reopen.
Source: NBC Los Angeles