A driver and passenger have been rescued from the roof of their car after attempting to cross Gudgenby Creek in southern ACT today, Tuesday 23 March.
ACT Police were contacted at approximately 10.40am by a member of the public advising that a vehicle that was attempting to cross Gudgenby Creek had been swept off the road and the passenger and driver were clinging to the roof of the vehicle.
Inspector in Charge of ACT Policing Operations, Inspector Simon Coady, said that ACT Policing sent specialist resources including Divers, Swift Water Rescue Teams, and Search and Rescue resources to safely recover the driver and passenger.
“This was an unnecessary attempt to cross the bridge. The bridge was under water at the time,” Inspector Coady said.
“We also had to deploy a helicopter to try and assist with the rescue. Fortunately, a local farmer was able to assist in the rescue and we were able to safely recover the passenger and driver.”
Inspector Coady said that as water levels have continued to rise, ACT Policing and Emergency Services have responded to several collisions in the region.
“We have multiple requests for service, and it creates a very challenging time for Emergency Services to be able to respond to everyone’s call for assistance,” he said.
His message to the community is to stay away from flood waters, be aware of road closures and only go out if you must.
“The flood waters will continue to rise; they will continue to be unpredictable and it’s imperative that everyone stays away for the short to longer term period until this weather event settles,” Inspector Coady said.
“Stay away from drains and any locations near rivers and creeks because these areas are now swollen, they’re overflowing, and they’ve become very unpredictable.
“If you are stuck or caught get to high ground and call for assistance.”
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