In a tragic accident which was a result of a reckless attempt to cross an overflowing culvert amid heavy rainfall, a Bolero car swept away on the Belkheda-Barman route leaving the diver drowned on Thursday. Out of the four people on board, three managed to escape with their lives, while the driver tragically drowned. Persistent heavy downpours across the region had caused several local streams and culverts to overflow, bringing traffic to a standstill in multiple areas. According to eyewitnesses near the Kataav culvert, water was rushing nearly three feet above the road level. While dozens of commuters were waiting on both sides for the water level to recede, the Bolero driver decided to brave the strong currents and drove onto the flooded culvert. The vehicle was instantly overpowered by the fierce flow of water and swept into the deep stream, sinking within moments.

 

As bystanders raised an alarm, a chaotic rescue effort unfolded. Three employees inside the vehicle managed to smash the car windows and swim to safety. However, the driver identified as Ravi Pillai, a resident of Sadar, trapped inside the sinking vehicle. According to the eyewitnesses, everyone was waiting for the water to go down. The Bolero came out of nowhere and just plunged right into the gushing water. Within seconds, it was dragged into the deep end of the stream. The vehicle remained submerged for nearly three hours. Once the water levels decreased slightly, local villagers rushed to the spot, forced the car door open and pulled Pillai out. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors unfortunately declared him dead upon arrival. Locals have stated that the Bolero belonged to a liquor contractor. The police are currently investigating the matter.