Man charged with manslaughter after boy, 5, drowns in floodwaters

The five-year-old boy drowned when the driver allegedly drove into floodwaters and the car became submerged.

A man has been charged with the manslaughter of a five-year-0ld boy who drowned in floodwaters earlier in the year.

Emergency services responded to reports two vehicles had been swept into floodwaters on McGrane Way at Tullamore, northwest of Parkes on September 23.

A Toyota Hilux – with five passengers inside – became submerged at the Genaren Creek crossing about 5pm.

The 38-year-old male driver, a 28-year-old woman and a young boy and girl exited the vehicle and were able to cling to a tree.

However, a five-year-old boy became trapped inside the car as it became submerged.

About two hours later, a second vehicle entered the flooded crossing and also became submerged.

A boy, 5, drowned in floodwaters after the car he was in became submerged. Picture: Google Maps

All of the occupants managed to free themselves and also grabbed hold of trees.

They called emergency services, and a multi-agency response effort was triggered.

Police, NSW SES, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Ambulance paramedics all joined the search and rescue operation.

A boat was used to rescue the family and they were all taken to Dubbo Base Hospital for observation.

The passengers from the second vehicle were uninjured.

When the Hilux was retrieved the following afternoon, police divers located the 5-year-old boy’s body.

Following a lengthy investigation by detectives from Central West Police District, the driver – aged 38 – was arrested at Surry Hills Police Station on Thursday.

He was charged with manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous and negligent driving (occasioning death).

He was refused bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court where he was remanded in custody to reappear at the same court on January 18.

Originally published as Man charged with manslaughter after boy, 5, drowns in floodwaters