Queensland Shocker: 2 bodies discovered inside car during search for missing Chinese backpackers in floodwaters

Two bodies, a man and a woman, were found during the search for Chinese backpackers who had gone missing in floodwaters in south-east Queensland. The two persons, a 26-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, were travelling in a Silver Subaru Forester from Brisbane to the North Burnett region, inland from Bundaberg. They failed to make it to their destination.

Police launched a large-scale investigation alongside SES, and helicopters from Kilkivan to Mundubbera kicked off, and crews found the Subaru in floodwater on Kilkivan Tansey Road Wednesday (March 12, 2026) afternoon.

" Following an initial examination of the scene, two deceased persons were located inside the vehicle," a police spokesperson was quoted by 9News as saying. "However, police believe the two deceased to be the missing 26-year-old man and the 23-year-old woman," the spokesperson added. Police divers and a crash forensic team remain at the scene.


According to 9 News, the two were apparently driving from Brisbane to the South Burnett region to pick up fruit-picking work, and the alarm was raised when they did not arrive at their destination.

Flood engulfs Bundaberg

The discovery of two bodies and the large-scale search operation came as floodwaters inundated hundreds of homes in different parts of the state, 9 News reported.

Hundreds of homes and businesses were significantly impacted by severe flooding in Bundaberg, with many communities likely to remain cut off for days. In some parts of the city, boats became the only mode of transport after the Burnett River inundated streets, homes, businesses and a pub in Bundaberg.