A British couple, Karen and Steve Loftus have talked about their close call with death during the devastating flash floods in Valencia.
The couple told the BBC that they were returning from a trip to the Netherlands when they got stuck on a motorway as floodwaters rose rapidly and filled their car.
Karen credited their survival to a Moroccan lorry driver who helped them escape the near-death experience, saying his quick actions likely saved their lives.
“Mrs Loftus said it was only because they decided to get out the car when they did – and with the help of a Moroccan lorry driver – that they survived,” BBC reported, quoting the 62-year old Loftus as saying: “There was moments where I thought we could die here.”
Read also: One Confirmed Moroccan Among Victims of Deadly Floods in Valencia
Describing the Moroccan driver as a “hero,” Karen recalled him giving them towels and chocolate biscuits. The couple described the situation as a “war zone,” stressing that they would not have survived without the generosity and bravery of their Moroccan rescuer.
“I have never seen anything like it… I do keep getting flashbacks and emotional but I keep feeling grateful,” Karen said.
At least 214 people died during the floods. Two Moroccans have been confirmed to have perished in the tragic floods, while 25 others are still missing.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the floods as the worst natural disaster in Spain’s recent history.
Rescue efforts have been ongoing, with 2,500 soldiers sent on Monday to the affected areas. Mondy’s contingent of soldiers was in addition to the 5,000 rescuers dispatched to the scene in the immediate aftermath of the devastating floods.
