A driver whose car left the road in remote western NSW and plunged into a creek, leaving him trapped, has been found alive after three days by a passing farmer.
The 54-year-old driver had been driving his ute along Renshaw McGirr Way at Curra Creek, about an hour south of Dubbo, on Monday when it flipped down a muddy embankment and landed on its roof in the water.
The driver, who was the only occupant, was severely injured in the crash but was able to free himself from the rapidly sinking vehicle, however, did not have time to grab his phone.
He was then trapped on the edge of the water.
NSW Ambulance said the man’s car quickly became almost completely submerged and he had suffered multiple injuries that made climbing back up the embankment to the road impossible.
The driver then spent three cold nights in the water nursing his injuries before a farmer, who happened to be checking his fences in the area, stumbled upon him.
Paramedics were then called and described it as sheer ‘luck’ that the man was discovered.
‘The gentleman was dehydrated and hypothermic, as well as suffering chest and limb injuries,’ NSW Ambulance Inspector Sally Lapins said. ‘He was fully assessed and made comfortable before being airlifted to hospital in a serious but stable condition.’
A man has been rescued after becoming trapped in a creek for three days when his car left the road and was submerged
The man was so injured he could not climb back up the embankment and was only found when a farmer checking his fences in the the remote location stumbled onto him
It’s understood the man was transported by Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter to Royal North Shore Hospital.
News of the driver’s story has spread on social media, where commenters were in awe of the man’s fortune.
‘The man needs a lotto ticket,’ one person said.
‘That road is pretty isolated, nice drive for a rough country road though,’ another said.
‘Thank god the farmer went out to check his fences,’ added a third.
‘It must have been an awful three days for him alone, injured and stressing if he would be found,’ someone commented. ‘Hoping for a good recovery and thanks to all involved.’
Another person noted the man’s tyres looked as though the tread had worn off and said it had been raining in the area earlier in the week, which would have made the road slick.
‘Dibs on his fuel,’ one person said, referencing the soaring price of petrol.
The man was rescued by first responders and carried up the embankment before he was airlifted to hospital
NSW Police were also notified of the incident and responded.
An investigation is ongoing as to what caused the crash.
Anyone with information or relevant footage is asked to contact police.
