Sydney man charged with manslaughter after 5yo tragically died in NSW floods

The family were on their way back from Dubbo Zoo when they were swept away by floodwaters, where a 5yo devastatingly lost his life. 

A man has been charged with manslaughter over the tragic death of a five-year-old boy who was trapped in a car after being swept away in floodwaters. 

In September 2022, Joseph El Jer, 38, was on a trip back from Dubbo Zoo with his partner Pam Hadchity, 28, and three children, baby Bachir, Valentina, three and Jayden, five, in a Toyota Hilux. 

Emergency services were called to Tullamore, which is roughly 100kms southwest of Dubbo, after two vehicles had been swept away from The McGrane Highway and careered into the water. 

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Video footage shows the rescue of family members after a car was washed away in flood waters near the town of Tullamore near Parkes. Source: Supplied.

Family trapped in car during floods, boy tragically dies

Joseph, Pam, 3yo Valentina and baby Bachir all managed to escape the vehicle as it was swept away, clinging to the trees nearby for safety while screaming out for help. 

Tragically, 5yo Jayden wasn’t able to escape the car, remaining trapped inside the car as it was submerged in the flood waters. 

It took two hours for emergency services to locate the family, working tirelessly to rescue the victims of the floods. 

The surviving family were rescued by boat and taken to Dubbo Base Hospital for observation. 

Thankfully, the occupants of the second car caught in the floods did not require any medical treatment. 

Police divers searched the area the next day and found the body of the 5yo left in the submerged car. Tragically, he could not be saved. 

Jayden had just celebrated his fifth birthday, with his parents sharing numerous photos and videos of their boy eating cake at his dinosaur-themed birthday party. 

RELATED: Family clings to life in a tree for 4 hours to escape Eugowra flash flooding

Joseph El Jer with his son Jayden. Source: Supplied.

Man charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving

On Thursday morning, detectives arrested the 38-year-old driver at Surry Hills police station. 

He has been charged with manslaughter and dangerous and negligent driving occasioning death.

Joseph has been refused bail and will remain in custody until his appearance at Downing Centre Local Court on 18 January. 

Originally published as Sydney man charged with manslaughter after 5yo tragically died in NSW floods