Couple Drowned After Sewage System Failed During Heavy Rainfall

Philip and Elaine Marco died there. That same spot had four similar incidents that year. An elderly couple drowned in their car days before their anniversary. They were married for 54 years.

Investigators found Liverpool’s system failed to handle heavy rain. Elaine and Philip were 76 and 77. They tried driving under a bridge in Mossley Hill. The road flooded suddenly in August 2023.

Witnesses saw water burst from a blown manhole cover. Liverpool City Council released a report Monday. The report described a tidal effect within the floodwater. The water rose very quickly, and the Marcos had no chance to escape.

Emergency services had been to that spot before. This year, four cars submerged there, and people needed rescuing twice. A flood barrier is now near the bridge.

United Utilities knew incidents increased and investigated the problem. Sewers could not cope with water volume; the sewer network was “surcharging.” The area’s network struggled in heavy rain. The report wants a solution involving United Utilities, the council, and Network Rail, who operate the bridge.

After the Marcos died, Liverpool took action. Sensors now warn of rising water, and CCTV cameras monitor the area. They also added signage and barriers. The Marcos’ family said dying together was their only comfort.

Friends said they were kind and generous. Their catering business was popular locally, and they were part of the Jewish community. United Utilities expressed their sympathies and spoke to the Marcos’ family.

United Utilities participated in the report fully. They will keep working with organizations to improve drainage in the area and improve the city too. It’s about surface and groundwater impact.