A 28-year-old female was lucky to escape serious injury after her car was swept along a creek near Kalkaringi Community at 7:30pm on Sunday night.

The female was driving to Lajamanu Community along the Buntine Highway when she attempted to negotiate a flooded detour track around the Croker Creek culvert that was closed due to road works about 25 km east of Kalkaringi.

It is believed that her car was swept approximately 10 metres downstream and spun around before coming to rest against a culvert.

The female and her pet dog swam through the driver's side window of the Toyota Hilux Utility, after the vehicle became completely submerged.

The female was swept into the culvert before managing to climb to safety, however her dog has not been located.

A passing motorist stopped and assisted the female and she was conveyed to Kalkaringi Health Clinic with minor injuries.

Police said that it appears the water level rose dramatically in a short time, resulting in the near tragic incident.

Katherine Superintendent Colin Smith says that this is a timely reminder for the public to exercise extreme care when negotiating flooded roads and crossings, whether in a vehicle or otherwise.

"This woman is lucky to be alive. It would appear that she did the right thing by checking the depth of the water before attempting the crossing.

"Had there been any form of obstruction inside the culvert or had she been unable to get out of the vehicle, the outcome may have been far more tragic," Superintendent Smith said.



Media contact:
Kyla Raby
8922 3365