New video shows CHP officers caught in Montecito mudslides

MONTECITO, Calif. (KABC) -- New video released Thursday shows just how scary things got for a pair of California Highway Patrol officers on the first morning of the Montecito mudslides.

The frightening dashcam video shows officers responding to a fire when they unknowingly drove directly into the path of the mudflow.

The fast-moving tide of muck and debris lifted the vehicle off the ground, which caused it to float along.

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In this Jan. 15, 2018 image, the 101 Fwy is seen under water and mud as clean-up crews work to clear roads in Montecito. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP)

Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP

After about 15 seconds, the vehicle regained traction, and both officers managed to escape unharmed.

The mess was all due to a major rainstorm that ravaged the Thomas Fire burn area of Santa Barbara County on Jan. 9. When the powerful storm hit, quick rushes of rain caused the massive mudslides that brought with it debris and boulders.

The devastating mudslides led to the deaths of at least 21 people. Two others remain missing.

VIDEO: Aerial footage of Montecito shows before-and-after view of devastated homes

Amid a massive cleanup operation in the Montecito, a satellite view from shows the destruction wrought by flooding and mudslides in the area.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.