A 13-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being swept into a storm drain during severe flash flooding in Mount Airy, Maryland, as torrential rain pummeled much of the U.S. East Coast.

According to local officials, the incident occurred around 5:20 p.m. in a grassy common area near a residential apartment complex. The boy had been playing with friends when rapidly rising floodwaters overpowered the area. Authorities say the child was pulled into an 18-to-20-inch-wide drainage pipe, where he became trapped.

Emergency crews, including nearly 50 first responders, launched an immediate rescue effort. Despite working tirelessly for more than an hour, the team was unable to retrieve the child in time. His body was later recovered downstream.

“This was an incredibly difficult and emotional call for everyone involved,” said a spokesperson from the local fire department. “The current was extremely strong, and the drain’s size made rescue efforts extremely dangerous and ultimately impossible once he was inside.”

Widespread Impact Across the East Coast

The boy’s death comes amid a broader crisis as severe storms swept through parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Mount Airy received roughly 4 inches of rainfall in just a few hours, while other areas in Maryland, such as Joppatowne, saw as much as 6 inches.

Emergency responders were inundated with rescue calls across the region. In a separate incident, firefighters saved an 8-year-old boy trapped in a submerged SUV in Harford County. A woman and toddler were also rescued from the same vehicle.

The storms caused major disruptions throughout the East Coast, with cities including Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston experiencing flight cancellations, mass transit delays, road closures, and widespread power outages affecting thousands of homes and businesses.

Ongoing Weather Threats

The National Weather Service issued ongoing flood watches through Friday night for parts of the northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant, avoid flood-prone areas, and heed emergency warnings as additional rainfall is expected.

Community in Mourning

The Mount Airy community is reeling from the boy’s death, with neighbors expressing deep sorrow and calling for potential changes to local infrastructure. Some have raised concerns about the safety of open storm drains near residential areas, especially in flood-prone regions.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” one resident told reporters. “No one should lose a child this way.”

The boy’s name has not yet been released as authorities notify next of kin.