9 Dead As Flash Flood Tears Through Arizona Family Gathering [VIDEO]

PHOENIX AZ — Nine people were killed in a flash flood along the Verde River in Arizona Saturday, and a search for additional victims continues while a flash flood warning remains in effect for all of Southwest Arizona.

Two children were among those killed when a torrent of water and debris reportedly washed over a large family gathering at a popular swimming hole along the Verde River, according to authorities. Several people remain missing, and a massive search and rescue effort remains underway. Four people were rescued and airlifted to local hospitals Saturday.

The flash flood hit the Cold Springs Swimming Hole North of Payson shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday, according to Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd. Extreme monsoonal thunderstorms had dumped water on parts of Southwest Arizona, triggering the flash flood.

Watch: Crews Describe Rescue From Arizona Flash Floods

“There was a large group recreating along the river and several people were swept away from their recreation area. Yesterday afternoon we rescued four people and before nightfall, we recovered three others," Gila County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. David Horning told Arizona’s Channel 3 News.

As of Sunday afternoon, three people remained missing.

A video purporting to show footage of the flash flood in Payson was uploaded to YouTube Sunday. Patch was unable to confirm if the footage shows the same flash flood to blame for Saturday's tragedy.

Photo: Shutterstock; Photo: YouTube screenshot