8 January 2026

Drivers escape as floodwater washes away car in Laura

| By Chisa Hasegawa
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Vehicle being recovered from floodwater

Ute recovered from floodwater after attempt to cross the Laura River Bridge goes south. Photo: Bobby Woodsy.

Three drivers are lucky to be alive after a close call in floodwaters in Laura.

Queensland Police Service (QPS) responded to reports of a vehicle caught in floodwaters at Shelley’s Crossing on 4 January at about 5:15 pm.

“Two occupants self-extricated the vehicle on Laura River Bridge, however, two cats in the vehicle died,” a QPS spokesperson said.

“The driver and occupant of the vehicle were not physically injured.”

A second vehicle was also caught in floodwaters on Little Laura River on Endeavour Battlecamp Road on 5 January at about 8:30 am.

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The 68-year-old male driver managed to escape the vehicle and reported it as stuck in floodwaters to police. He was not physically injured.

“The Queensland Police Service is urging all road users to drive to conditions, prioritise safety and remember – if it’s flooded, forget it,” the spokesperson said.

“Flooding can happen anywhere, anytime, and even the smallest amount of water on the road can lead to dangerous consequences.

“Driving through floodwater puts yourself and your vehicle at risk, so it is essential motorists remain vigilant when behind the wheel.”

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