A driver has been charged following investigations into the death of a child in floodwaters in the state's west last year.
Just before 8pm on Friday 23 September 2022, emergency services were called to McGrane Way at Tullamore, north-west of Parkes, following reports two vehicles had been swept into floodwaters.
Inquiries revealed the first vehicle – a Toyota Hilux with five occupants – became submerged at the Genaren Creek crossing about 5pm (Friday 23 September 2022).
The male driver and three occupants of the Hilux – a 28-year-old woman, along with a young boy and girl – exited and were able to cling to trees; however, a five-year-old boy became trapped in the car before it submerged.
About two hours later, a second vehicle entered the flooded crossing and submerged.
The occupants managed to free themselves from the car before finding the occupants of the Hilux still clinging to trees.
They alerted emergency services, and a multi-agency response was initiated with officers from Central West Police District, NSW SES, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Ambulance paramedics.
A boat was used to rescue the family where they were all taken to Dubbo Base Hospital for observation.
The occupants of the second vehicle were uninjured.
Police remained at the scene where a search operation commenced the following day (Saturday 24 September 2022) to locate and retrieve the Hilux.
About 3.20pm, the boy's body was located in the submerged car by police divers.
Following a lengthy investigation by detectives from Central West Police District, the driver – aged 38 – was today (Thursday 23 November 2023) arrested at Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous and negligent driving (occasioning death).
He was refused bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court where he was remanded in custody to re-appear at the same court on Thursday 18 January 2024.
