Girl, 10, and Stepmother, 36, Die After Car Plunges Into Queensland Dam

A 10-year-old girl and her stepmother, 36, were killed when their car plunged into a dam in Tinana South, Queensland, on Thursday. Emergency services were called to Springvale Road just before 5:30 p.m. after reports that a blue Subaru Tribeca had driven into the water.

Arliyah James, 10, and her stepmother, Lisa, 36, were found dead inside the submerged vehicle. The pair were reportedly en route to Maryborough to pick up other children from school when the car left the road, crashed through a fence, and entered a dam on a neighboring property.

Arliyah's father, Steve James, began searching for them after the school contacted him to report the children had not been collected. He discovered the vehicle upside down in the dam. A local farmer, Joel Hinschen, 45, rushed into the neck-deep water to attempt a rescue. Mr. Hinschen called emergency services before entering the water and pulling both Arliyah and Lisa from the car.

Flowers have been placed near the dam in tribute to the victims. Arliyah's mother, Sarah Gorman, described her daughter as a "beautiful blue-eyed, blonde-haired princess" and their "wild child" who filled their lives with love. Another relative, Summah Brakenridge, remembered Arliyah as being "full of life" with a "beautiful big smile" and boundless energy.

Queensland Police's Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including potential contributing factors such as speed or driver inattention. Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward. Inspector Paul Algie praised Mr. Hinschen's bravery, calling him a hero for his actions during the traumatic event.