PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Three people are dead and one person is missing after flash flooding on Washington Boulevard in Pittsburgh.

The flooding happened shortly before 5 p.m. between Negley Run and Allegheny River Boulevards.

City Public Safety Director Michael Huss confirms a woman and two children were found dead.

The woman has been identified as 46-year-old Kimberly Griffith. Her two daughters, 12-year-old Brenna and 8-year-old Mikaela, were the other two victims.

“These three people were all in one vehicle,” he said. “That particular vehicle was pinned against a tree and the occupants were unable to escape.”

Huss said the flash flood saw fast-moving water rise as high as nine feet in a short period time. Eleven people had to be rescued.

Huss was asked why the flash flood turned deadly after similar flooding happened during heavy rain about a month ago.

“I can’t answer that – why this severe this time,” he said. “We were here about a month, month and a half ago, and public safety chiefs and I have talked about the issues here and plans for when flooding occurs, but why it’s so severe this time, I can’t answer.”

There has been some speculation that development on Highland Drive might have something to do with it.

An elderly woman remains unaccounted for. Crews are searching the Allegheny River and other places for the woman.

Washington Boulevard will be closed through Saturday.

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