Three people charged, including two teens, after Mazda hatchback plunges into Nerang River on Amalfi Dr at Surfers Paradise

Police have charged three people – including two youths – after a “stolen” Mazda plunged into a river in the city.

Gold Coast police have charged three people – including two youths – with unlawful use of a motor vehicle after a “stolen” Mazda plunged into the Nerang River.

It was earlier reported that three people fled the scene after the hatchback veered off the road and crashed into the water on Amalfi Dr at Surfers Paradise about 1pm on Monday.

The Mazda in the Nerang River at Amalfi Dr, Surfers Paradise. Picture: Queensland Ambulance Service

Three people emerged from the car and fled the area, a Queensland Police Service spokesman said.

A nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said at the time: “I came out running when I heard the car hit the water and I saw three people and I asked them if they were okay and safe. Then they looked at me and started running down the road.”

Police have charged a Nerang man, 22, with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He was due to face Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Three people have been charged, including two teens. Picture: Madeleine Graham

Additionally, a Nerang girl, 17, and a Molendinar girl, 17, have both been charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Both are due to face Southport Children’s Court at a later date.

The alleged stolen car crash comes on the back of a string of youth crime incidents on the Gold Coast in recent times, which have prompted a frustrated response from city residents.

Manhunt for trio who fled sinking ‘stolen’ car

April 25: Three people have fled the scene after a car veered off the road and plunged into water at Surfers Paradise.

Emergency services were called to a single car crash off Amalfi Dr about 1pm Monday.

A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said there were no occupants to assess at the scene.

A police spokesman said three people emerged from the car and fled on foot after the vehicle veered off the road and into the river.

Police are investigating whether the car was stolen.

An Amalfi Dr resident was in her home when she heard the sound of a car crashing into water at high speed.

“I came out running when I heard the car hit the water and I saw three people and I asked them if they were okay and safe. Then they looked at me and started running down the road,” the resident, who asked not to be named, said.

She said two females and a male who looked to be in their early twenties had fled from the car.

“They were young adults, not kids I think,” she said.

“The girls looked shocked while the boy was not … he was so calm.”

The resident said police told her the car was stolen from Palm Beach two days ago.

“Within five minutes the whole place was covered in police cars,” she said.

“There were police helicopters and they were looking for them right away.”

Follow @Melwhiting