Woman dead after car swept underwater in NJ

PILESGROVE TWP., N.J. - August 28, 2011 (WPVI) -- A 20-year-old woman in New Jersey is dead after her car was swept into fast moving flood waters caused by Hurricane Irene.

It happened around 1:40 Sunday morning on Route 40 in Salem County.

Heavy rains caused three nearby lakes to overflow. The dams that separated each lake broke during the storm, forcing large amounts of water onto Route 40 near Kings Highway.

Police say the victim, identified as 20-year-old Celena Sylvestri, called 911 to report that the water was up to her neck and shortly after lost contact with operators.

Rescue crews discovered Sylvestri and her vehicle submerged underwater Sunday morning.

On the same roadway 68-year-old James Troy was also pushed into the heavy flood waters. State police and local firefighters were able to rescue him.

Troy was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated and released.

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new jersey, salem county, hurricanes and tropical storms, severe weather, flooding, accident, local/state

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