An ABC reporter and a local bystander successfully rescued a driver from a sinking four-wheel-drive vehicle trapped in fast-rising floodwaters north of Brisbane on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The high-stakes rescue unfolded in Morayfield after severe weather dumped approximately 170 millimeters of rain on the region starting early Thursday morning.
ABC journalist Will Murray and bystander Daniel Hainey waded into the dangerously submerged roadway on Buchanan Road to pull the trapped motorist to safety just moments before the vehicle completely submerged beneath the water.
How the Dramatic Morayfield Rescue Unfolded
The incident began when the driver traveled at speed through deep floodwater on Buchanan Road. The four-wheel-drive vehicle quickly stalled, began floating downstream, and started sinking into the murky inundation.
Murray, who was reporting on the severe weather alongside camera operator Liz Pickering, immediately contacted Triple Zero, Australia’s emergency services number. While on the phone with the emergency dispatcher, Murray observed the driver disappear from sight as the vehicle continued to sink.
"Initially I could see him, but he disappeared from my sight within seconds so I made the call to jump in," Murray recounted after the event.
Handing his phone to Pickering-who captured the entire rescue on video-Murray waded into the current alongside Daniel Hainey, who had rushed over after noticing the vehicle sinking with someone trapped inside.
Overcoming Submerged Pressure to Free the Driver
The two rescuers reached the vehicle and attempted to open the closest doors without success. Recognizing the mounting danger as water filled the cabin, they moved to the rear of the vehicle to attempt breaking a window.
Instead, Murray tried the passenger-side rear door, bracing his feet against the vehicle’s body and pulling with all his might. The door suddenly swung open, assisted by the rushing water pressure building inside and outside the vehicle.
The driver managed to maneuver toward the open door, and Murray and Hainey pulled him out into the swirling current, guiding him safely back to shallow water.
"All three of us gave each other a big hug and were just so relieved," Murray said. "It was very scary, but happy everyone is safe and relieved it is OK. I just witnessed how quickly it can go south and it is terrifying. Please don’t drive into floodwaters."
Emergency Services and Community Warnings
Emergency services arrived at the scene roughly 10 minutes after the rescue was completed. The driver later spoke with the team, admitting he had failed to see warning signage and misjudged the true depth of the water on Buchanan Road.
Hainey noted that the motorist was extremely fortunate to escape without serious injury. The Queensland Fire Department and local authorities continue to urge all residents and drivers never to enter or drive through floodwaters, emphasizing that depth is often deceiving and conditions can deteriorate instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who rescued the driver from the flooded SUV in Morayfield?
The driver was rescued by ABC reporter Will Murray and local bystander Daniel Hainey, with assistance documented by ABC camera operator Liz Pickering.
When did the flood rescue take place?
The rescue occurred on Thursday, October 22, 2026, following heavy rainfall across south-east Queensland.
How much rain fell in the area leading up to the incident?
Approximately 170 millimeters of rain had inundated the region since Thursday morning, prompting widespread flood warnings.
Where did the vehicle become trapped?
The vehicle stalled and began sinking on Buchanan Road in Morayfield, north of Brisbane.
What safety warning was issued following the incident?
Emergency services and the Queensland Fire Department strongly reminded the public never to drive, walk, or swim through floodwaters under any circumstances.
