At least 7 killed, 6 missing in flash flood in southern Utah town of Hildale

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Authorities say seven people are dead and six others missing after a flash flood ripped through a town on the Utah-Arizona border Monday night.

Hildale assistant fire chief Kevin Barlow said that heavy rains hit the canyons north of the town in the late afternoon Monday, causing flash flooding in the sister towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona.

Barlow says a large wave of water smashed into two vehicles with 16 women and children inside, washing the cars and occupants downstream.

Barlow says seven people are confirmed dead, with six others missing. Three people survived.

Hildale and Colorado City are the home base of a polygamous sect run by Warren Jeffs. The towns are about 315 miles south of Salt Lake City.