Australian authorities have confirmed the recovery of two Chinese nationals whose vehicle was discovered submerged in floodwaters near Kilkivan, Queensland. The victims, identified as a 26-year-old man and 23-year-old woman, were on a road trip from Brisbane to North Burnett when they vanished on Tuesday after failing to arrive at their intended destination.
Following an extensive multi-agency search operation involving police units, State Emergency Service personnel, and aerial reconnaissance, their silver Subaru Forester was located Wednesday afternoon. The vehicle was completely immersed in floodwaters, with both bodies recovered from inside the cabin on Thursday. Authorities have notified next of kin and are coordinating with the Chinese consulate regarding the tragic incident.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig characterized the event as an ‘absolute tragedy,’ noting the visitors had come ‘to see our beautiful country’ only to meet this unfortunate fate. The discovery comes amid severe flooding across Queensland and Northern Territory, where rising river levels continue to threaten communities.
The widespread flooding has impacted hundreds of residences in towns including Bundaberg and Katherine, with additional hazards emerging as crocodiles have been spotted in inundated areas. In Darwin, critical infrastructure damage has forced water conservation measures after flooding disabled the primary pump station at the city’s main dam, requiring residents to boil drinking water.