REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Monday, March 12, 2001

SOUTH-East Queensland’s devastating storms claimed a second life when a man was swept away by a flash flood.

Chambers Flat man Paul Neighbour, 50, and a male driver drove a car on to a causeway over a swollen creek on Logan Reserve Road at Waterford West at about 4am.

After the vehicle was swept away the driver was rescued, but State Emergency Service workers found Mr Neighbour’s body nearby.

The death, which followed the drowning of Joshua Bohun, 12, in similar circumstances at Lawnton north of Brisbane days earlier sparked calls for improved signs and lighting on the stretch of road which is notorious for flooding.

Sergeant Rob Duncan said the accident happened at about 4am when the car was trapped south of Waterford. He said the men decided to leave the car and walk home.

“The driver got out and waded around to help Mr Neighbour out of the car,” Sgt Duncan said.

“But, before he could get around, Mr Neighbour and the car were swept off the side of the road.”

Sgt Duncan said the other man swam out and ran for help but, by the time police and SES workers arrived, Mr Neighbour had disappeared. His body was recovered at 7.30am about 100m along the creek.

Police said it was possible the two men had ignored signs warning that the road was under water.

“This was a tragedy that could have been avoided.”

Residents said the road was often blocked after heavy rain, with floodwater deeper than a metre for weeks.