The stranded Holden Commodore on River Road this morning (Photo: Contributed)

January 28, 2013

An elderly driver was taken to Kingaroy Hospital with minor injuries this morning after he drove his car into a large washout on River Road at Kingaroy.

The 70-year-old man apparently drove around a “Road Closed” sign.

The heavy road damage that jammed his vehicle was possibly still concealed by water.

Fire brigade, police and ambulance personnel were all called to the scene.

South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said people must understand it is an offence to drive on flooded roads.

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UPDATE January 29: Officer-in-charge of Kingaroy Police Senior Sergeant Duane Frank confirmed this morning that a 70-year-old Kingaroy man had been issued with a $660 fine for disobeying a road closed sign.

“Given the volume of water running across the road at the time and the large amount of washouts on the road, it would have been impossible not to have seen the dangers,” Snr Sgt Frank said.

“The ‘Road Closed’ signs were clearly visible and extended the entire width of the road. They had been placed there by council staff and police officers.

“It could so easily have been a case where he’d suffered greater injuries than he did or been washed off the roadway.

“The QAS had to attend and render assistance and then take him to the hospital. He suffered minor shoulder and arm injuries.

“Given what was going on, this was just an extremely stupid act which wasted valuable QAS resources and required police to attend and investigate.”

And the man’s excuse for ignoring the signs? He wanted to visit a mate …

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