An Australian television reporter who rushed into rising floodwaters alongside a local bystander to pull a trapped driver from a sinking vehicle described the ordeal as terrifying, while noting the profound relief of saving a life.
Will Murray, a journalist working for the public broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation, was reporting on severe weather conditions north of Brisbane in Queensland state on Thursday, October 22, when the incident unfolded. A driver attempted to navigate a four-wheel-drive vehicle through deep floodwater before the engine stalled and the car began to submerge.
Reflecting on the tense moments that followed, Murray described the experience as deeply alarming. The realization that someone was in imminent danger of drowning created a heavy sense of shock.
“It was terrifying. Like, the thought of watching someone drown was just, you know, I can see why people would sort of freeze up, because it is just horrifying to watch someone in distress like that,” Murray said.
Acting quickly, Murray and a nearby bystander identified as Daniel Hainey swam out through the hazardous water toward the sinking vehicle. The two men managed to pull the driver from the cabin just moments before the car became completely submerged by the rising current.
Although Murray did not catch the name or contact information of the survivor, he expressed hope that the man was recovering well from the ordeal. Following the successful rescue, the journalist and the bystander shared a powerful moment of relief.
“You know, we had a big old hug after we got him out, and that was just one of the best moments of my life, I have to say, just the relief of seeing him safe and well. That was enough for me,” Murray said.
The dramatic rescue occurred against the backdrop of widespread severe weather across south-east Queensland. Emergency services in the region responded to hundreds of urgent distress calls throughout Thursday and Friday as intense rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters, or 7.9 inches, triggered sudden flash flooding. The severe weather system forced the closure of numerous local roads and schools, heavily disrupting transport and daily activities across the affected areas.
