The bodies of two Chinese tourists who disappeared during severe flooding in Australia have been discovered inside their submerged vehicle in Queensland, bringing a tragic end to an intensive search operation.

Authorities located the car in floodwaters near Kilkivan in the state’s North Burnett region after the pair had been reported missing earlier in the week.

Emergency crews recovered the vehicle from water downstream of a bridge following a coordinated effort involving police divers, helicopters and local rescue teams.

The victims, a twenty-six-year-old man and a twenty-three-year-old woman believed to be Chinese nationals, had been traveling from Brisbane toward Mundubbera, where they intended to begin seasonal fruit-picking work.

When they failed to arrive at their destination, a friend alerted authorities, prompting a large-scale search across roads affected by heavy rainfall and rising rivers.

Investigators later located their silver Subaru Forester submerged near Kilkivan Tansey Road.

Police confirmed that two bodies were found inside the vehicle, which appeared to have been swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters after intense rainfall across the region.

Formal identification procedures were underway while families were informed and began arrangements to travel to Australia.

The discovery occurred amid a broader flooding emergency across parts of Queensland, where days of heavy rain caused rivers to swell and inundated communities.

Emergency services conducted dozens of rescues during the crisis as roads and bridges were submerged or damaged, and officials repeatedly warned motorists not to drive into floodwaters.

Authorities believe the tourists’ vehicle was swept from a bridge or roadway as water levels surged, a hazard that has repeatedly proven fatal during Australia’s seasonal flooding events.

The car was found about thirty meters downstream from the bridge area, highlighting the power of the fast-moving water.

The tragedy marks one of the most severe incidents connected to the current flood emergency.

Local leaders and emergency officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families while emphasizing the ongoing risks posed by flooded roads and waterways as recovery efforts continue across affected regions.