Dramatic rescue during worst rain in a decade

DURING some of the worst rain in a decade, an electrician in far north Queensland has used an axe to smash open a car window to rescue a drowning driver.

INCREDIBLE scenes have emerged from far north Queensland where a sparky has risked everything to rescue a driver caught in a devastating flood.

Quick-thinking Sam Greenwood used an axe to smash open a car window and rescue the driver who nearly drowned in the floodwaters south of Cairns.

The tradie dived into the deep water and swam across to the stranded SUV, which contained a man in his late-60s, along the Gillies Highway near the turn-off to Goldsborough Valley at about 3pm yesterday.

Flooding on the Gillies Highway. Picture: Facebook

Sam Greenwood. Picture: Facebook

But he was forced to swim back because he couldn’t get through to the driver. So, he swam back to his four-wheel drive, took an axe, swam back, used it to smash open the white Toyota Rav 4’s window, and pulled the elderly motorist out.

The heroic rescue comes as parts of the state are being battered by some of the worst rainfall in a decade. Communities between Cairns and Townsville have been swamped by 200-250mm of rain over the past 24 hours, and Ingham, north of Townsville, is braced for what could be its worst flood since 2009.

The latest deluge has left roads cut, schools closed and authorities looking to fly supplies into isolated communities.

This morning, BoM issued a major flood warning for the Herbert River region this afternoon. It added that the river is yet to peak but is expected to rise above 14m in parts.

“Rainfall totals of 300-600mm have been recorded over the Herbert River catchment in the past three days,” the warning said. “ Further heavy rainfall is possible during Friday morning.”

Mr Greenwood had to swim out to the car twice. Picture: Facebook

The hero of the day posted a status about the rescue on Facebook — warning drivers not to take risks in flooded areas.

“Saw a small 4x4 floating away down the road towards Mulgrave and asked what the go was with that to the many bystanders and they said they thought wipers still going when got there,” he said.

“Long story short. I swam out to the car and found old man trapped inside had to smash through a window to drag him out. He was very lucky car was still floating.”

The tradie later told The Courier-Mail that he “freaked out” when he saw how high the water was inside the car.

“When I was smashing the window, I was sort of scared that he was going to go under, because he was on the opposite side of the car,” he said. “He had to squeeze over the seat to get to me.

“I still don’t know how he was still inside. If that vehicle wasn’t floating, he would have been well and truly gone, poor fella.”

Mr Greenwood’s Facebook status has now been “liked” by thousands. Hundreds have shared his story and commented on it — telling the electrician that he is a “hero”.

“Words don’t say enough you are an amazing person and you are a hero mate,” one commenter wrote.

“Lucky for him you happened to be there,” wrote another. “What a selfless caring act.”

Mr Greenwood added that he gave the driver, who offered to buy him dinner at a local pub as a sign of gratitude, a lift home after the dramatic mission.

⚠️ Major #Flood warning updated for #Herbert river, expected to peak early this afternoon at a similiar level to 2009 event. Major flood warnings current for a number of other catchments. Keep up to date at: https://t.co/JPr1cJ4cvo pic.twitter.com/VnkLKttmfW

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 8, 2018

STUDENTS TRAPPED

Rising floodwaters have also isolated a group of Townsville students on school camp in north Queensland.

Eight teachers and 72 Year 6 students from The Willows State School are trapped at the Echo Creek adventure park after roads between Cairns and Townsville were swamped by 200-250mm of rain over the past 24 hours.

A Queensland Police spokesman said the group was safe and in constant contact with authorities.

Emergency services won’t attempt to rescue them due to safety risks, but are preparing to provide them with food supplies.

The spokesman said a father of one of the children had driven through floodwaters and attempted to paddle a canoe to the group on Thursday, but had later turned back.

MORE RAIN DUE

The floodwaters are still rising in north Queensland. The latest deluge comes on top of days of heavy rainfall that’s left the ground sodden, and rivers swollen.

At least 14 schools and one child care centre in north and far north Queensland will remain closed on Friday.

Extra swift water rescue crews have been sent to the region and authorities are planning to deliver supplies to towns that lost road access some days ago. Ingham has already been cut in two by water, with the Herbert River yet to peak.

Floodwaters are still rising in parts of Queensland. Picture: Facebook

Authorities say it could go higher than the town’s last major flood in 2009. Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo has warned residents the town could be cut off for some days, and they must take their safety seriously. Ingham school kids were sent home early on Thursday, as locals stripped supermarket shelves of essential supplies.

Flood waters have crept across suburban streets and into backyards, lapping at the front steps of homes.

“I had a look out the window at about four o’clock and there was nothing in the yard that I could see,” Ingham resident Felix Scerri told the ABC. “I’ve just woken up in the last few minutes and there is water everywhere I can see.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

• Never drive, walk or ride through floodwaters. If it’s flooded, forget it

• Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees

• Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm

• Beware of fallen trees and powerlines

• For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500

— with AAP