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Search Resumes For Worker Swept Away In Passaic River

PASSIAC, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Hopes of a rescue were fading late Tuesday afternoon as crews continued to search for a New Jersey bridge inspector swept away in fast-rising waters.

The man vanished around 2:45 p.m. Monday. The search was suspended around 8 p.m. due to the strong current before resuming Tuesday morning.

Authorities say the private contractor and another worker were inspecting the President Street Bridge over Weasel Brook, which feeds into the Passaic River. They were standing in the creek that is normally ankle-deep, when a fast-moving rainstorm turned it into a raging rapid, CBS2's Christine Sloan reported.

Sources have identified the missing inspector to CBS2 as Efrain Grajeda, 35, of Monroe Township. Authorities say he works for Tran Systems, a company based in the Midwest but with officers across New Jersey.

German Rodriguez told CBS2's Diane Macedo he and his friends found the two workers suddenly overwhelmed by water well over their heads.

"We heard the guy screaming, 'Help, help!'" Rodriguez said. "So we came running from here."

Witness Valentine Beltran said in Spanish that he and his cousin jumped into the creek using a makeshift ladder. Beltran's friend translated.

"His first reaction was to save him," his friend said. "That was his first reaction."

Beltran said he grabbed one man by his belt and, with Rodriguez's help, pulled him to safety. But they couldn't hold on to the second man.

Beltran said the current was so strong, he only saved himself by grabbing on to a nearby tree trunk. But he rushed into the water a second time.

"He said it was so strong, so quick," his friend said. "When he went in, he couldn't find him. Couldn't find him."

Rescue boats have scoured the brook and river for hours, but crews only found a floating flashlight and construction helmet they believe belonged to the victim. The missing man was not wearing a life jacket.

Rescue workers from Passaic County also are using excavation equipment to get into a canal under city streets.

"There is the section of the brook that is underground -- approximately a half a mile," said Passaic fire Chief Patrick Trentacoste. "We have been working through manhole covers. We have been lowering our search and rescue teams into the manhole covers."

Adam Din, whose car dealership sits along the river, said he watched as the frantic search unfolded. He said he's hopeful, but not optimistic, that the man will be found.

"I hope he's safe," Din said. "Trying to look for him, it's a sad thing. I hope they find him and he survives."

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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