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Fears held for missing Katanning man whose car was found in flood waters near Wagin

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Tom ShanahanGreat Southern Herald
Police are searching for 34-year-old Katanning man A Jit Khan after his car was found submerged near Wagin.
Camera IconPolice are searching for 34-year-old Katanning man A Jit Khan after his car was found submerged near Wagin. Credit: Tom Shanahan

Fears are growing for a missing Katanning man whose car was found submerged in flood waters in the Wheatbelt.

Ajit Khan, 34, was on his way home from Perth to Katanning this morning when his Mitsubishi Triton ute became stranded on Ballagin Road in Piesseville, near Wagin.

The vehicle was found abandoned about 11.30am.

Police and State Emergency Services launched a search of the area today which was suspended overnight.

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Their search efforts will resume at 7am on Wednesday.

Wagin Police attended the scene.
Camera IconWagin Police attended the scene. Credit: Tom Shanahan

SES supervisor Lynda Elms said Mr Khan had not returned home all day, according to his family.

“Local police assisted SES earlier today to recover two vehicles that had been caught in flood water in the Piesseville area,” a police spokesman said.

“The driver of a white Range Rover was spoken to by police to confirm they were safe and well.

“The driver of a grey Triton has yet to be spoken to and police now have concerns for his welfare.”

Two cars trapped in the flooding.
Camera IconTwo cars trapped in the flooding. Credit: Tom Shanahan

SES volunteers were unable to find the man while scouting the banks of the floodway.

Wagin has copped a 48mm soaking over the past 24 hours, with the Buchanan River flooding Ballagin Road near Piesseville-Tarwonga Road.

A man in a kayak, who had been on the river earlier today, was called in by police to help emergency services identify the vehicle and its numberplate shortly after 5pm.

Police have blocked off the road.
Camera IconPolice have blocked off the road. Credit: Tom Shanahan/Tom Shanahan

Both vehicles made their way around road closure signs at some time before 11.30am on Tuesday, according to Ms Elms.

“We very clearly advertised do not drive through flood waters, yet a lot of people do it,” she said.

Mr Khan is described as 170cm tall with tan skin, a slim build, black hair and black eyes.

Anyone who might have picked up Mr Khan or seen him in the area is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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