South Plainfield, NJ – As Tropical Storm Ida dumped rain across New Jersey, tragedy struck in South Plainfield when two men were swept by floodwaters into a large stormwater pipe.
Police reported that on Wednesday night, officers were assisting motorists in the area of Hadley Road and Stelton Road. While on scene they heard cries of help from a female pedestrian about a friend being swept into a 36-inch storm sewer pipe.
South Plainfield Police, Piscataway Police, and members of the Middlesex County Water Rescue Team arrived on the scene. Emergency personnel were able to determine two males were swept into the pipe that travels under Stelton Road from South Plainfield to Piscataway.
One victim was saved by the heroic action of all emergency personnel on the scene downstream in Piscataway. Unfortunately, the other individual could not be located. Thursday morning law enforcement discovered the body of 31-year-old Edison resident Dhanush Reddy in a wooded area behind 1380 Centennial Ave in Piscataway.
“We are heartbroken by this tragic loss of life and pray for Mr. Reddy and his family and friends and all those impacted by last night’s devasting store,” South Plainfield Mayor Matthew P. Anesh said. “I also, want to thank the South Plainfield Police, Piscataway Police and Middlesex County Water Rescue Team for their heroic actions under extreme conditions.”