Australian TV Reporter, Bystander Rescue Driver From Sinking Car in Floodwaters

An Australian television reporter and another bystander have rescued a driver from a sinking vehicle after it became trapped in floodwaters in Morayfield, north of Brisbane, in Queensland.

The dramatic incident occurred on Thursday, October 22, as Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) journalist Will Murray was reporting on heavy rainfall and flooding in the area.

According to the ABC, the driver attempted to cross a flooded section of Buchanan Road in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which stalled and began floating in the water before rapidly sinking.

Murray initially contacted emergency services but realised the driver was in immediate danger when he appeared unable to escape from the vehicle. The reporter and another man then entered the floodwaters and swam towards the car to help him.

Their first attempt to open a door was unsuccessful. Murray subsequently moved to the passenger side, braced his feet against the vehicle and managed to pull open a door, allowing the trapped driver to get out.

The two rescuers pulled the driver from the vehicle and helped him reach shallower water. The car disappeared beneath the floodwaters shortly afterwards.

ABC camera operator Liz Pickering, who was filming the flooded road and witnessed the rescue, praised the two men for their actions.

“The pair of them definitely saved that man’s life,” she said, according to the broadcaster.

Murray later described the experience as frightening and said he was relieved that everyone was safe. He also urged motorists not to attempt to drive through flooded roads.

The rescue took place amid intense rainfall across south-east Queensland, which caused flash flooding, road closures and emergency responses in several communities. The ABC reported that about 170 millimetres of rain had fallen in Morayfield by the time of the incident.

The episode has renewed warnings about the dangers of driving through floodwaters. Authorities caution that water can conceal road damage, carry vehicles away and rise rapidly enough to trap motorists before they can escape.

Although the two men succeeded in bringing the driver to safety, officials continue to advise people to avoid flooded roads and follow emergency instructions during severe weather.