Wondai flood death: Body of South Burnett man found in submerged car at MP Creek

Police have released new information about the identity of the South Burnett man killed after his car was swept off a crossing, making him the 12th person to die in the state’s flooding disaster. Full details here:

Police have revealed new details into the identity of the man who drowned in floodwaters after his car was swept of a creek crossing at Wondai on Sunday night.

A Wondai couple, both aged in their 60s, were driving on MP Creek road when their car was swept off the road by rising floodwaters at MP Creek crossing just before 5pm.

Flooding at Bell Street in Kingaroy (5.25pm). Photo/South Burnett local

Several swiftwater rescue crews rushed to the scene and were able to rescue the woman, who had escaped the vehicle and was clinging to a tree in the rapidly rising floodwaters.

She was safely in the hands on paramedics by 7.50pm and didn’t require hospitalisation.

The man became trapped in the car and tragically drowned, becoming the 12th person killed in flooding across southeast Queensland in recent weeks.

Flooding at Bell Street in Kingaroy (5.25pm). Photo/South Burnett local

The submerged car was later found but crews could not safely access it until about 11.30pm, when police divers were able to recover the man’s body.

Member for Deb Frecklington expressed her condolences to the man’s family following the tragedy.

“I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the gentleman who lost his life in floodwaters at MP Creek Wondai on Sunday,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“I am deeply grateful for the services of the Police and Emergency Services.”

Flooding at Irene Street, near Ryke Fuel, in Kingaroy. Photo/South Burnett local

In a separate near-tragedy, a man in his 20s was rescued after his car was caught up in “ankle-deep” flash flooding at Byee on Sunday night.

He was able to escape from the car before emergency crews arrived at the incident near Lancasters Road and Silverleaf Road at 11pm.

Paramedics assessed the man however he was uninjured and didn’t require transport to hospital.

Originally published as Wondai flood death: Body of South Burnett man found in submerged car at MP Creek