A section of State Road 520 in Palm Bay collapsed early Monday morning, cutting off access for residents in the area. The washout, near the intersection of Palm Bay Road and State Road 520, has left at least six elderly residents unable to leave their homes. Emergency crews arrived within minutes of the incident being reported. "We got a call about a road collapse and immediately sent units to the scene," said Brevard County Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Lopez. "Our priority was getting people to safety." The affected residents, all over the age of 70, were evacuated by boat after the road became impassable. Local officials confirmed the collapse was caused by heavy rainfall over the weekend. The Florida Department of Transportation is investigating the cause of the failure. "This is a critical route for many residents, especially those without alternative transportation," said Palm Bay Mayor David Reynolds. "We’re working with state agencies to repair the road as quickly as possible." Residents in the area have been advised to avoid the stretch of road until further notice. The washout has also disrupted traffic on State Road 520, which connects several communities in southern Brevard County. Emergency crews are continuing to monitor the situation. No injuries have been reported so far. The incident highlights the challenges faced by elderly residents in rural areas during severe weather events. "It’s a reminder of how vulnerable some of our communities can be," said Lopez. "We’re doing everything we can to ensure no one is left behind."