Journalist and citizen rescue driver from sinking vehicle in Queensland

On Thursday, October 22, 2026, a dramatic rescue occurred north of Brisbane, Australia, as heavy rains caused significant flooding. A man driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle entered a flooded road and became trapped as his car stalled and began to sink rapidly. According to reports, the driver had failed to notice warning signs or the depth of the water before the current began to drag the vehicle away.

ABC journalist Will Murray, who was present at the scene to cover the storm impact, witnessed the vehicle being swept away. After contacting emergency services, Murray decided to intervene personally. Joined by a bystander identified as Daniel Heaney, the two men swam to the sinking car. While initial attempts to open the driver’s door were unsuccessful, they managed to access the vehicle through the rear passenger door and pulled the driver to safety just before the car submerged completely. The rescue operation was captured on video by ABC camerawoman Liz Pickering, who confirmed that the prompt actions of the two men prevented a likely fatality.