A Pakistani national, Ayaz Younus, has become the first fatality in NSW floods.
Mr Younus, a 25 yo software engineering graduate, died in floodwaters in Sydney’s north-west while on the way to his first day of job as a truck driver.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, he called for help at 6.20am.
He said that his vehicle, a new Toyota Camry hire car, was sinking on Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie.
The police told media that Mr Younus stayed on the phone to the triple zero operator for 44 minutes until contact was lost.
Mr Younus’ roommate Imran Ahmad told the Herald the pair had met about a year and a half ago but had started living together last year.
“He was very excited. I was the last person he met [before he left]. He said, ‘I am very excited.’”
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said Mr Younus’ death was the result of a dreadful set of circumstances.
He added that every effort was being made to contact his family overseas.
“This is a graphic and tragic reminder of the dangers across our roads as this crisis unfolds.”
Pakistan Association Australia president Farhat Jaffri wrote on Facebook:
Minister for Police David Elliott is expected to visit the Marsden Park Mosque next week to speak to the community.
