Arkansas judge dismisses 11 suits connected to 2010 flood at campgrounds that left 20 dead

FILE PHOTO: A van swept away by floodwaters rests at an angle against a tree in 2010 at the Albert Pike campgrounds. The spraypaint on the passenger-side door signifies that it has been searched for victims.
FILE PHOTO: A van swept away by floodwaters rests at an angle against a tree in 2010 at the Albert Pike campgrounds. The spraypaint on the passenger-side door signifies that it has been searched for victims.

TEXARKANA — A Texarkana judge has dismissed 11 civil lawsuits connected to the historic 2010 flood at Albert Pike campgrounds in the Ouachita National Forest that took the lives of 20 men, women and children.

The Texarkana Gazette reported that U.S. District Judge Susan Hickey ruled Tuesday that the government is immune from the lawsuits because of the Arkansas Recreational Use Statute.

The plaintiffs argue that the campgrounds lacked warning signs and disregarded its own scientific reports that place the campground in a 100-year flood plain. They say an exception for "malicious" conduct, which includes a "reckless disregard of the consequences," outlined in the statute should apply.

But Hickney dismissed arguments from the plaintiffs' lawyers, saying the case lacked evidence that the government knew the area was a flood plain.

The plaintiffs have the option to appeal Hickey's ruling.

Read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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