What’s Happening?
Queensland Police have urged motorists to avoid flooded roads after three people became stranded in separate incidents across the Darling Downs District.
According to Queensland Police Service, emergency services responded to incidents at Talgai, Warwick and Ellengowan between the evening of 26 October and the morning of 27 October.
All three motorists were rescued, although one required hospital observation. An 18-year-old woman also faces a drink-driving charge after allegedly entering floodwaters in Warwick.
The incidents prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of flooded crossings and the risks motorists create for emergency responders.
Why It Matters
Driving through floodwaters can quickly become dangerous, even when a crossing appears shallow. The recent incidents prompted police to remind motorists that entering flooded roads also places emergency personnel at risk.
Darling Downs District Country Patrol Group Chief Inspector Danny Shaw warned against underestimating the conditions.
“Floodwaters can be unpredictable, and what might appear to be a shallow crossing can quickly become dangerous,”Chief Inspector Shaw said.
He also highlighted the risks faced by emergency crews responding to stranded motorists.
“Driving into floodwater puts your own life at risk, as well as the lives of those who may have to come to your rescue.
Local Impact
The incidents occurred on Mullins Road at Talgai, Park Road in Warwick and Toowoomba Karara Road at Ellengowan, involving motorists from different parts of the Darling Downs.
Among those rescued were a 60-year-old Cambooya man and a 57-year-old truck driver from Glenvale. Both required assistance from Queensland Fire and Rescue Swiftwater crews, while police officers carried out the rescue in Warwick.
The separate incidents prompted a district-wide safety warning, with police urging drivers to follow road closures and avoid flooded crossings.
By The Numbers
- 0.179%: The alleged roadside breath test reading returned by the Warwick driver, who was subsequently charged with drink driving.
- $241: The fine issued for disobeying a no-entry sign, accompanied by three demerit points.
- 16 November: The scheduled court appearance for the 18-year-old woman at Warwick Magistrates Court.
Zoom In
The first incident occurred around 9.15pm on 26 October when police were called to Mullins Road at Talgai following reports of a vehicle stranded in floodwater.
The Cambooya man, who was travelling alone, managed to free himself from the vehicle before swiftwater crews rescued him. He was subsequently transported to hospital for observation.
Several hours later, emergency services responded to another stranded vehicle on Park Road in Warwick at approximately 12.45am on 27 October. Police officers rescued an 18-year-old woman who had allegedly driven into floodwaters.
Following the rescue, the woman was charged with drink driving and issued a traffic infringement notice for disobeying a no-entry sign.
The third incident involved a truck that became stranded on Toowoomba Karara Road at Ellengowan around 2.30am. Police received reports of the incident at approximately 6.50am, prompting another swiftwater rescue response.
The 57-year-old Glenvale driver was rescued without incident and was not physically injured.
Following the rescues, Chief Inspector Shaw urged motorists to consider road conditions before travelling.
“We are urging everyone to make safe decisions, check road conditions before travelling and never attempt to drive through floodwater.
Zoom Out
The three incidents required responses from Queensland Police and specialist swiftwater rescue crews across the Darling Downs District, reinforcing the dangers associated with flooded roads.
Police have emphasised that motorists must obey road closure signs and warnings rather than attempting crossings based on how shallow the water appears.
The message also extends to the safety of emergency responders, who may be required to enter hazardous conditions when drivers become stranded.
What To Look For Next?
The Warwick drink-driving matter is scheduled for 16 November, when the 18-year-old woman is due to appear before Warwick Magistrates Court.
Meanwhile, Queensland Police continue to urge motorists to check road conditions before travelling and find alternative routes when flooding affects their journey.
Chief Inspector Shaw reinforced the warning with a clear message.
“If a road is flooded, find an alternative route and wait until it is safe to travel. No destination is worth risking your life.”
Police are also reminding drivers of the statewide safety message: If it’s flooded, forget it.