In brief
A security guard from Camp Mystic acknowledged that an earlier evacuation order during last year's deadly flood could have saved lives. Glenn Juenke's testimony highlighted the camp's lack of preparedness and the chaotic response during the emergency, which resulted in 25 fatalities, including campers and staff. Families of the victims are expressing outrage over the camp's plans to reopen amid ongoing legal proceedings.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Glenn Juenke, the security guard at Camp Mystic during last year's devastating flood, testified that had officials issued a general evacuation order earlier, lives could have potentially been saved. At a legal hearing concerning the camp's reopening, he discussed his efforts to protect campers as rising waters inundated the area.Juenke recounted moving some girls to a safer two-story building, but found himself trapped in a cabin shortly thereafter. He managed to direct a group of campers to higher ground amidst the life-threatening conditions. However, he noted that he wasn't following a directive from camp leadership, revealing a concerning lack of training and preparation for emergencies within the camp staff.The ongoing hearing has shed light on the events of that fateful night, including the camp's delayed evacuation response and missed opportunities to safeguard its attendees. Families, particularly those of the victims, are voicing their objections to the camp's plans to reopen, citing the reviews by health regulators and the judge's order to preserve the evidence related to the disaster.Throughout his testimony, Juenke emphasized the chaotic nature of the storm and the struggle to ensure campers' safety. Despite their challenges, he insisted that all actions were taken with urgency given the circumstances. As a tragic aftermath, 25 campers and two counselors lost their lives that night, and legal proceedings continue to address accountability and safety going forward.
