The key facts
- ABC journalist Will Murray and a random passer-by rescued a driver from a sinking pickup on Buchanan Road in Moreefield
- Around 170 mm of rain fell in Moreefield, roads are closed, and the shopping centre is practically inaccessible
- Queensland authorities warn: do not drive or swim through flooded areas
Rescue on a flooded road
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) correspondent Will Murray was covering the flooding in Moreefield when a car stalled after driving into deep water on Buchanan Road. As the car began to sink, Murray handed his phone to camera operator Liz Pickering, called emergency services and waded into the floodwater. Another bystander quickly joined him.
How the operation unfolded
First, the two men tried to open the nearest door, then climbed onto the roof of the car and considered breaking the rear window. Eventually, Murray managed to open the rear door on the passenger side, which allowed the driver to get out before the pickup was completely submerged. The ABC camera captured everything that happened. After the rescue, the driver hugged one of the men who had helped him. Camera operator Liz Pickering said the two men 'undoubtedly saved this man's life'.
Flood consequences and official warnings
No serious injuries were reported. Around 170 millimetres of rain fell in the Moreefield area: severe flooding led to road closures, and the local shopping centre became practically inaccessible. Queensland authorities warned drivers not to attempt to drive or swim through flooded areas, noting that cars can quickly become trapped or swept away by the current.
