Steephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasaragod (MS)

Kasaragod, Jun 27: In a harrowing incident near Kuttikol, a car was swept away by a rivulet while crossing a bridge lacking a retaining wall on the Pallanji-Pandi road. The occupants, Tasreef (26) and Abdul Rasheed (38) from Ambalattara, narrowly escaped thanks to the timely intervention of locals and the fire service personnel.

The mishap occurred on Thursday, June 27, in the morning when the duo, relying on Google Maps for directions to Uppinangady, encountered the unprotected bridge. The vehicle lost control and was carried downstream by the water, eventually getting stuck against a tree. Both passengers managed to climb out and cling to the tree until help arrived.

Local residents spotted the stranded pair and immediately alerted the fire service, who promptly rescued Tasreef and Abdul Rasheed.

The incident has highlighted concerns over the reliance solely on digital navigation tools, which may not account for local safety hazards such as the absence of crucial infrastructure like retaining walls.

This fortunate rescue serves as a stark reminder of the importance of local knowledge and community vigilance in ensuring safe travel, particularly in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous conditions.