Tragedy in flash flooding near Killarney

Floodwaters rose rapidly in the Condamine Gorge above Killarney last night, Wednesday 16 December.

Queensland Police have advised a Killarney man has died after being swept away by flash flooding on a property just outside Killarney last night, Wednesday 16 December.

In a statement released this morning, Thursday, police said preliminary investigations “indicate the 69-year-old local man was moving cattle to higher ground at a property along Condamine River Road when he and his vehicle were consumed by rapidly rising water and washed away around 8.30pm”.

“Emergency services were called to the scene and immediately commenced a search and rescue operation,” police said.

“The man was located deceased inside his vehicle approximately 100 metres downstream at 12.20am this morning.”

Police have said a report will be prepared for the coroner.

It is understood the man was moving the cattle with the assistance of a family member and floodwaters rose so rapidly he was unable to move his vehicle out of their path.

Initial reports suggested the property concerned was further up the Condamine Gorge but it is understood to be located a short distance from Killarney itself.Areas at the top of the range above Killarney, including at the Head, recorded close to 200mm of rain overnight and initial concerns were held for flooding in the town but it is understood the Condamine River level through Killarney in town has subsided overnight.

Killarney itself only recorded 2mm of rain overnight.