The body of a woman has been located in floodwaters following a multi-agency search in the NSW Central West.
Police say that at around 11pm yesterday, emergency services were called to Cooyal Creek at Gulgong, approximately 30km north of Mudgee, after reports a vehicle had been swept into flood waters.
“Inquiries revealed a Toyota Kruger was travelling west along Spring Creek Road, when it was swept off the causeway,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“The driver, a 45-year-old man, and two male passengers – aged 43 and 26 – escaped the vehicle and made their way to safety.
“A third passenger – a woman aged in her 20s – reportedly also got out; however, could not be located.”
Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District, assisted by the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) conducted land and water searches in a bid to locate the woman. The Toll Rescue Helicopter also attended to assist.
The multi-agency search recommenced at around 7am today, with the body of a woman located on the riverbank at 9.50am.
“While she is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing 28-year-old woman,” NSW Police said.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Roads in the area remain closed due to flooding, and motorists are urged to check www.livetraffic.com prior to travelling.
