Pair rescued from roof of car stuck on flooded Otago road sparks police warning to obey signs

November 21, 2018

A number of roads in the region remain closed or have warnings in place after flooding.

Otago Coastal Police are appealing for drivers to obey road signs after two people had to be rescued from the roof of their car which got stuck trying to cross a flooded road this morning.

Emergency services were called about 10am after the car got stranded trying to cross a flooded road between Balclutha and Clydevale.

The driver and passenger were rescued from the roof of their vehicle uninjured, said Senior Sergeant Jared Kirk, Otago Coastal Team Leader Road Policing.

State Highway Eight, from Milton through to Raes Junction and SH90, is now open but extreme care is required due to multiple slips and flooding.

There are no detours in place.

"We ask that drivers remain patient, keep your speeds down on these roads, and obey all road closure signs," Mr Kirk said.

Drivers who ignore road warnings are potentially placing themselves and others at risk, he said.

Drivers also need to be aware that vehicles may not be covered by insurance if they are driven on a closed road, Mr Kirk said.

Contractors are working to clear the roads as quickly as possible, he said.

Updates on road conditions can be found on the NZTA website .


SHARE ME

More Stories