MEDIA ADVISORY: Driver charged with manslaughter after two men drown in flooded causeway, NSW

Police will address the media after a man has been charged with manslaughter following the deaths of two men whilst driving through flood waters in the state’s south-west earlier this month.

About 11.15pm on Monday 31 October 2022, emergency services were called to the Preston Creek Causeway on Rugby Road at Bevendale, west of Goulburn, following reports a Mitsubishi Triton utility had been swept into flood waters.

Two men who were in the cabin of the vehicle managed to swim to safety and contact emergency services; however, another two men – aged 30 and 32 – travelling in the tray of the ute were swept downstream with the utility.

Their bodies were located in November further downstream from the causeway.

An investigation was commenced under Strike Force Dossetor – with officers attached to The Hume Police District and the Crash Investigation Unit – to investigate the circumstances surrounding the men’s deaths.

Following extensive inquiries, a 41-year-old man from Guildford was arrested at Merrylands Police Station about 10am yesterday (Tuesday 20 December 2022).

He was charged with two counts of manslaughter and two counts of dangerous driving causing death and one count of drive while suspended.

The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 21 December 2022).

WHEN: 11am TODAY (Wednesday 21 December 2022)

WHERE: NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, 11 Liberty Rd, Huntingwood NSW 2148

WHO: Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

/Public Release. View in full here.