Mackay driver rescued in flood water at Glenella

A man who became stuck in rising floodwaters in North Qld has spoken out about the terrifying ordeal, with good Samaritans using boogie boards to try to reach him.

Heidi Petith and Zoe Devenport

less than 2 min read

January 12, 2023 - 6:01PM

A male driver became trapped in rising flood water at Glenella, Mackay, on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Picture: Zoe Devenport

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A man who became trapped in rapidly rising Mackay floodwaters has spoken out about the ‘panicked’ moment he realised he was in trouble, with good Samaritans using boogie boards to try to rescue him.

Emergency services were called to the scene along Glenella Rd in Glenella near Magpies Sporting Club shortly before 5pm, where Francis Manalo was trapped in the rapidly rising waters.

It is understood citizens used boogie boards to try and reach Mr Manalo but were unsuccessful.

Emergency services have rescued a male driver after he became trapped in rising floodwaters in Glenella, Mackay. Picture: Zoe Devenport

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said the driver was saved but his vehicle was still stuck in the swollen creek water.

Mr Manalo said he was “panicked” when he realised the waters were rising around his Honda CR-V, but the first thing on his mind was to phone triple-0.

Francis Manalo speaks out after becoming trapped in ‘dangerous’ floodwaters after heavy downfalls across Mackay on Thursday. Picture: Zoe Devenport

“It’s dangerous out there,” Mr Manalo said.

Multiple police and firefighter crews were sent to the address as heavy rainfall created by remnants of Cyclone Ellie wreaked havoc across the region.

Flooding has caused disruptions on roads across the Mackay region. Picture: Zoe Devenport

Witnesses report seeing the water rise rapidly with Glenella resident Cayden Ambrose saying it “was a bit wet”.

“I seen all the lights and all the things so I decided to come for a bike ride and have a look,” Mr Ambrose said.

Glenella resident Cayden Ambrose witnessed emergency services save a driver who became trapped. Picture: Zoe Devenport

“That’s the first car I’ve seen (try and make it across).”

It is understood the road will shortly close to the public.

The emergency situation unfolded about an hour after another driver found themselves stuck in floodwater at Holts Rd, also in Glenella, just before 4pm.