A motorist has been rescued after he became trapped while driving through flood waters in the state’s north west yesterday.
About 12.30am (Tuesday 20 September 2022), a 22-year-old man was travelling on Rangari Road, Boggabri, towards Narrabri.
Multiple road closure signs were located on the side of the road; however, the vehicle became submerged, approximately 5km east of the Kamilaroi Highway, Boggabri.
When emergency services – including NSW Police and the SES – attempted to assist the man, they were unable to get to the location due to the flood levels.
A short time later, the man was rescued from the roof of his vehicle by an SES crew in a boat.
The man was uninjured and did not require medical treatment.
Police later issued the 22-year-old with an infringement notice for the offence of disobey road access sign which carries a $283 fine and 2 demerit points.
Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, said the incident served as a timely reminder of the difficulties faced by first responders when attending emergency situations in flood-affected areas.
“The condition of the roadway underneath cannot be guaranteed, large potholes and sections of bitumen can be washed away by flood water,” Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
“I cannot stress enough of the inherent dangers faced by drivers thinking they can cross a flooded road – if it’s flooded, forget it.
Motorist are reminded not to drive into any roadways that are covered by water due to the dangers of becoming trapped.
