A dramatic midnight rescue operation unfolded in Chhattisgarh's Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai (KCG) district, where local police successfully saved five tourists after their car was swept away by a raging river. The incident occurred on the night of September 26, near the Dania bridge in the Gandai area, as the group was traveling from Raipur and Bhilai toward the Kanha Kisli National Park.
Bypassing Barricades Leads To Disaster
Following heavy downpours on September 25, water bodies across the KCG district were overflowing. At around 2:30 AM on September 26, a Swift Dzire car carrying the five friends approached the Dania bridge. Despite police placing barricades and safety stoppers on the road to prevent vehicles from crossing the submerged structure, the car driver, identified as Kuber Sahu, bypassed and rammed through the stoppers. Officers stationed on the opposite side of the bridge desperately gestured for the vehicle to halt, but their warnings went unheeded as the car plunged into the high-velocity current.
Trapped In Raging Floodwaters
The force of the flooded river proved too powerful for the sedan, instantly sweeping it off the bridge and into the deep, turbulent waters. The five occupants managed to escape the sinking vehicle and clung onto a nearby tree to avoid being carried away. In a state of panic amidst the pitch darkness and heavy rain, they dialed the emergency helpline number 112 to call for urgent assistance.
Police Team Launches Midnight Operation
Upon receiving the distress signal, the Gandai police force immediately mobilized. Led by Gandai Police Station In-charge (TI) Shivankar Gindle, a rescue squad rushed to the site. Despite the challenging conditions of heavy rain, zero visibility, and a swelling river, the police team braved the dangerous currents to reach the stranded individuals. One by one, all five passengers were safely extracted from the river. The rescued individuals have been identified as Kamlesh Sahu, Kuber Sahu, Nihal Saxena, Mehak Kaur, and Preeti Ratre. Following the rescue, they were transported to the Gandai Community Health Center for medical check-ups and first aid, where doctors declared them out of danger.
