Four rescued from roof of stranded 4WD in flooded river

Four people have been rescued by police helicopter after getting stuck in floodwaters. The group were attempting to cross a flooded river in Gippsland when their car began to be swept away. What's next: Victoria Police is reminding drivers not to enter floodwater and to be aware of local conditions. Four people have been rescued by helicopter after their four-wheel drive was swept into a flooded river crossing in eastern Victoria. Police said a Nissan Patrol carrying three women and one man attempted to cross the Macalister River at Burgoyne Track, around 20 kilometres south of Licola, at about 8pm on Thursday. The river was under a minor flood warning at the time. Police said as the car crossed the river, the rear began to lift in the water before the engine stalled and the 4WD turned into the current. The vehicle drifted about 25 metres downstream before coming to a stop. Those on board were forced to climb onto the roof of the vehicle and used a satellite phone to call for help. Police said the Air Wing was sent after the Rescue Coordination Centre received the group's coordinates. The helicopter found the stranded vehicle and an Air Wing crew member was lowered to the roof before all four were winched to safety. The group was taken to hospital for observation. Police said the "well equipped" group were cold and wet, but uninjured. The vehicle remains in the river and will be recovered once water levels drop. The rescue comes as authorities continue to warn drivers not to drive through floodwater, even in minor flooding events, with emergency warnings in place across parts of Gippsland. Victoria Police is urging people to monitor conditions and avoid entering flood-affected roads.