Reporter & Bystander Rescue Man From Sinking Car In Floodwater Near Brisbane

(ABC News) A driver has been rescued by two bystanders, including an ABC reporter, from his sinking car in floodwater north of Brisbane.

The man drove his four-wheel-drive at speed through water on Buchanan Road at Morayfield.

The car stalled and started to sink.

ABC reporter Will Murray and Daniel Hainey swam out to the car and pulled the driver out of the vehicle.

About 170 millimetres of rain has fallen in the area since this morning.

Speaking after a shower and some lunch, Murray said he was relieved everyone was OK.

"I saw him drive in and immediately his car started floating downstream so I rang Triple Zero," he said.

"On the phone the operator asked me if I could see the driver and if I thought he could get free.

"Initially I could see him, but he disappeared from my sight within seconds so I made the call to jump in."

Murray said he handed the phone to his colleague, camera operator Liz Pickering, and started swimming towards the sinking car.

"When we got to the car we tried to open the closest door, no luck, then got on the back of the car with the thought to break the back window," he said.

"I thought to try the passenger side rear door first and put my feet against the car and pulled as hard as I could and with some luck the door swung open.

"I think water rushing in helped create some pressure to force the door open."

Murray said the driver was then able to make his way to the open door, and the rescuers pulled him to safety and shallow waters.

"All three of us gave each other a big hug and were just so relieved," he said.

"It was very scary, but happy everyone is safe and relieved it is OK.

"I just witnessed how quickly it can go south and it is terrifying. Please don't drive into floodwaters."

Mr Hainey, who rescued the man alongside Murray, said he was out with his family when he saw the ute but did not realise someone was inside until the window moved.

"The car began to slowly sink deeper and deeper, and that's when I thought, 'Oh no, this is not looking good', so I started swimming in there," he said.

Mr Hainey said the driver was "very, very lucky".

The Queensland Fire Department advises all residents not to swim in floodwater.

Pickering was on scene filming overlay footage of the flooded road when the incident occurred.

She captured the incident on video as the men rescued the driver from the vehicle.