A&M forestry team hopeful to leave Childersburg Thursday

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The group was returning from a competition in Panama City FL when they got stalled outside... — The group was returning from a competition in Panama City FL when they got stalled outside Childersburg. (Source: Dr. Naka)

CHILDERSBURG, AL (WAFF) - A group of forestry students remain in Childersburg Wednesday after being stranded on Highway 280. They found shelter Tuesday evening after several hours stranded in a van.

The group is still unsure when they will be able to return home, but they hope warmer temperatures Thursday will allow them to head back to Huntsville.

There are nine people in all, including advisor Dr. Kozma Naka that spent seven hours Tuesday in a van, stuck in a logjam of vehicles on Highway 280 just outside of Childersburg. Dr. Naka said they are all okay; they have found a grocery store nearby, they are warm, and waiting for road conditions to improve.

One of the students has connections that eventually led them to the city's community center around 7 p.m. Tuesday. The A&M forestry advisor said they, like everyone else, were surprised to get caught in the middle of the winter storm, and he said the lack of information on what they needed to do was frustrating.

"The information from the radio stations through the night had improved, but at the time we were stuck they were talking about 'Oh, it's icy over there.' I know, but I'm here already. Tell me where to go, tell me where the shelters are," said Dr. Naka.

Dr. Naka said they asked local police about what they should do Wednesday, and were warned that the road was still too dangerous for driving. They hope to resume what has already been a long journey when the roads improve Thursday.

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