TWO grandparents who died after their car became trapped in deep water had driven into a notorious flooding "blackspot", locals claim.
Elaine and Philip Marco lost their lives after their black Mercedes was surrounded by deep flood water on a main road in the Mossley Hill area of Liverpool on Saturday night.
Video footage showed water gushing into Queens Drive from a culvert or drain under a railway bridge.
Tributes have poured in for the grandparents, both in their 70s,who were proud members of Liverpool's Jewish community.
But there is now growing anger around the circumstances in which the couple died – after it emerged a young woman was rescued from the same spot just weeks ago.
Today a friend of the Marcos from the city's Jewish community told The Sun that he was struggling to accept the way in which they died.
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He said: "Their final moments would have been pure terror. Imagine their desperation. How could this happen to such decent people on a public road in our city."
While Cllr Steve Radford, from Liverpool's Liberal Party, told The Sun: "The city council needs to look at high risk flash flood points to reduce risks to both life and property."
Cllr Carl Cashman, leader of the city's Liberal Democrat Party, has written to the council's chief executive expressing his concern.
Yesterday locals who live off Queens Drive told The Sun that the section of road where the Marcos died was a well documented flooding "blackspot."
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In July this year the emergency services carried out a dramatic rescue after a woman's car became trapped in flood water on the same stretch of road.
Dramatic photographs showed firefighters launching a rubber boat to rescue the woman from her trapped car.
A woman whose home overlooks the scene has documented previous flooding incidents on social media.
The photographs show cars trapped in deep water on the stretch of road where the Marcos died.
Two days ago the woman posted a message which read: "If you drive, or someone you know drives in Liverpool, don't be lazy and ignore this please."
Today she posted: "Took two people dying for the council to finally dig up our road."
In August 2018 police issued a warning on social media after a car became stuck in deep water on the same stretch of road.
Video footage showed a woman hanging out of the window of a floating vehicle as her partner held on to her.
After the incident police posted a warning which read: "Flood Water Queens Drive towards Mossley Hill, driver thought they could make it through and didn't realise how deep it was.
"Please take care on the roads this evening, especially on the motorway where were getting reports of standing water."
A dad who lives on the road said that he suspected water from a nearby culvert had poured into the road.
He said: "There is an underground brook that runs nearby. When there is heavy rain the culvert spills out into the road. The water can reach a depth of 8 to to 10 feet down there.
"The fire service had to rescue a young woman a few weeks ago. I just don't understand how the road could remain open after the last incident.
"Flash floods are common in the summer and the road
was a potential death trap. There were no warnings in place for drivers.
"Imagine a couple visiting students at the nearby halls. They would have no idea about the flooding risk and just drive straight into it. I think this will spark a huge row now over who is to blame.
"What a disgrace. If it was my parents I would want answers."
The man said the elderly couple would have had little chance of saving themselves.
He said: "The electrics in the car would have shutdown and they would have had culvert water pouring on top of them.
"The only chance would be to kick a window out. I would have struggled to get out of that car and I am in my 40s. They had no chance."
Tony, a pensioner from the Mossley Hill area, said: "This has been going on for years now. They had to pull a woman out last month with special boats.
"It's a notorious blackspot. It's always been one of those things. And now we have this. Two deaths.
"It can get very deep down there. I am talking over six feet of flood water so it is a death trap really."
Liverpool City Council said a probe had been launched into the tragedy.
A statement read: "This was a tragic incident and our thoughts are with those involved and their families.
"Council officers from highways and City Watch supported the emergency services in responding.
"The road is expected to remain closed for some time while an investigation takes place, and motorists are asked to continue to avoid the area."
Yesterday, tributes poured in for Philip and Elaine, whose family have been left "devastated and heartbroken" by their sudden loss.
The couple's heartbroken family paid tribute to the couple who were due to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary next week.
A heartfelt statement read: "We are devastated and heartbroken by the sudden loss of Elaine and Philip Marco.
"They were much loved parents to four children and ten grandchildren.
"The family are arriving overseas from America and Australia to mourn their loss.
"They were due to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary next week and our only comfort is knowing that they were together to the very end."
A spokesperson for United Utilities confirmed there had not been a pipe burst in the area and that the company was not responsible for public roads.
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