Driver charged with manslaughter after fathers drown in floodwaters

A driver has been charged with manslaughter after fathers Bob Chahine and Ghosn Ghosn drowned in floodwaters while riding in the tray of a ute in central New South Wales earlier this year.

Emergency services went to Rugby Road in Bevendale, west of Goulburn, after reports a vehicle had been swept into floodwaters at 11.15pm on October 31.

The 41-year-old male driver allegedly attempted to cross the flooded Preston Creek Causeway when the Mitsubishi Triton was swept off the road by water.

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Two men who were in the cabin of the ute managed to swim to safety but Chahine and Ghosn, were swept downstream with the ute.

Police found their bodies downstream a week later in November.

Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said it was "dangerous practice" and "gross negligence" by the driver.

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"At this stage a decision was taken by a driver of one of the vehicles to put a companion into the cabin and two put two males into the rear tray of that vehicle," McFadden said.

"When it entered the water the vehicle was immediately swept from the causeway."

He said seven lives had been lost by people attempting to drive through floodwaters this year.

The Guilford man was arrested about 10am yesterday and changed with manslaughter, dangerous driving causing death and driving while suspended.

The man was refused bail and is expected to appear in Paramatta Local Court today.