Reporter Rescues Driver From Sinking Car During Flash Flood Coverage

An ABC reporter and another man rescued a trapped motorist from a sinking vehicle in southeast Queensland amidst flash flooding on Thursday. The incident occurred as ABC reporter Will Murray was covering the severe weather event for television.

Cameras captured the dramatic rescue as Murray and a bystander entered the rushing floodwaters to reach a submerged ute on Buchanan Road in Morayfield, north of Brisbane. The vehicle had driven into the flooded road at speed, stalled, and began to sink. The area had experienced approximately 170 millimeters of rain in three hours.

Murray and the other man swam to the car and attempted to open the passenger door, but it was stuck. Moments before the vehicle's roof submerged, they managed to open the driver's side door enough for the lone occupant to escape. The three men then swam to safety on dry ground.

"All three of us gave each other a big hug and were just so relieved," Murray recounted. "It was very scary, but happy everyone is safe and relieved it is okay. I just witnessed how quickly it can go south and it is terrifying. Please don't drive into floodwaters."

Murray's news crew had contacted emergency services during the rescue, and paramedics arrived approximately ten minutes later. The rescued driver stated he had not seen warning signs for the flooded road and underestimated the water's depth.

Reflecting on the event, Murray described his adrenaline levels as "very, very high" even hours later and commended emergency services for their regular efforts in such situations.

Several areas around Moreton Bay experienced significant flooding on Thursday following the heavy overnight rainfall. The local council issued a "prepare to leave" notice for residents in Burpengary and Burpengary East due to the ongoing flood conditions.