Astonishing moment man drives a Nissan Patrol ute into the OCEAN at high speed at a popular beach – narrowly missing swimmers before bystanders rush to help him
- People rushed to the driver’s aid as the tide began to carry the ute out to sea
- Quick thinking beachgoers attached snatch straps to the Nissan, saving it
- Queensland Police are seeking witnesses to the ‘dangerous driving’ incident
Swimmers had a very lucky escape when a ute was driven at high speed into the water at a popular Queensland beach.
A video released by police shows a man trying to cross a deep lagoon at Bribie Island in the south-east of the state at around 10.30am on February 5.
But he doesn’t make it across, instead ploughing the Nissan Patrol into the ocean, forcing swimmers to rush out of its path.
A ute is pictured driving at high speed towards swimmers at a popular Queensland beach
Though some of them had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit by the car, swimmers immediately ran to help the driver and his passenger
The ute then nose dived into the deep water and was immediately deluged by waves.
People quickly rushed to the driver’s aid as the tide began to carry the car out to sea.
The driver got out of the side window and swimmers helped him to shore as well as the passenger.
Quick thinking beachgoers attached snatch straps to the ute, hooking it up to a 4WD drive which towed it out of the water.
Police are seeking witnesses to what they have called a ‘dangerous driving’ incident.
They are also reminding those wanting to cross the Bribie Island inlet to be aware of the tidal and weather conditions.
‘Members of the public are reminded of the changing nature of the conditions on the northern end of Bribie Island,’ police said in a statement.
The ute driver was trying to cross a deep lagoon at Bribie Island in south-east Queensland
Quick thinking beachgoers attached snatch straps to the ute, hooking it up to a 4WD drive which towed it out of the water
‘Due to recent weather conditions there has seen a cutting off of the northern tip of the island beyond the Lions Park at certain tides and times.
‘Members of the public are reminded this cutting changes with the tidal and weather conditions and can become impassable.
‘This may include walking the depth of the crossing to ensure it is passable and there are no obstructions but would definitely include ensuring there are no pedestrians or swimmers in the line of travel to traverse this crossing.’
Police investigations into the incident are continuing.
Swimmers had a lucky escape when the ute suddenly drove at speed into the water
The driver and passenger in the Nissan Patrol also had a lucky escape and were helped by beachgoers