Police are reminding people of the dangers of driving into floodwaters, with a major rescue response taking place on the Mid North Coast today after a car was swept off a causeway, NSW Police say.
Emergency services were called to Dingo Creek, Bobin, which is about 40km north-west of Taree, about 4.20pm (Tuesday 6 March 2018), following reports a car had been swept into a flooded creek while trying to cross a causeway.
The driver, a woman in her 60s, managed to free herself and swim to land, but her passenger, a woman in her 80s, was trapped inside the vehicle.
The younger woman was treated on scene for shock by NSW Ambulance paramedics while a major rescue operation commenced, comprising the State Emergency Service, NSW Police Force, Volunteer Rescue Association, Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Rescuers managed to fix a tether line to the car to stop it being swept away.
The woman was then removed from the car about 6pm and both women have now been taken to Manning Base Hospital.
The car has been left tethered in the creek until it can be safely removed at another time.
Police say the two occupants of the car were extremely lucky to have been rescued, as this incident could well have ended in tragedy.
It’s a timely reminder that if it’s flooded, forget it – don’t risk your life and the lives of emergency services personnel by entering floodwaters or trying to cross flooded causeways.
Floodwater can have fast moving undercurrents that can quickly wash people and vehicles away; as such people should never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.
If you need assistance:
• Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au
• For information on road closures members of the community can visit the website www.livetraffic.com.
• For weather warnings check www.bom.gov.au/
• Dial Triple Zero (000) in life-threatening emergencies.
