Autorickshaw Plunges into Sabarmati River in Gandhinagar, Driver Missing
In a distressing incident on Tuesday morning, an autorickshaw plunged into the Sabarmati River from a bridge located in Sector-30 of Gandhinagar. The accident triggered an immediate and extensive rescue operation to locate the missing driver, identified as Rakesh Thakor, a 25-year-old resident of Moti Shiholi village.
Details of the Accident
According to police reports, Thakor was traveling from Chiloda to a Gandhinagar court for documentation related to a land matter. While crossing the bridge, he allegedly lost control of the steering wheel, causing the autorickshaw to veer off the structure and fall into the river below. Local residents have raised concerns, claiming that repair work was underway on the bridge at the time and alleging that proper barricading was not in place, which may have contributed to the mishap.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Upon receiving the alert, the Gandhinagar fire brigade swiftly arrived at the scene and launched a rescue operation. After sustained efforts, the team successfully retrieved the autorickshaw from the river. However, Thakor was not found inside the vehicle, prompting an intensive search operation in the deeper sections of the Sabarmati River.
Fire personnel, aided by divers, are scanning the area amid challenges posed by the river's depth and current. Officials emphasized that efforts are concentrated on locating the missing driver, with further actions to be determined based on the outcome of the search.
Traffic Disruption and Community Response
The incident led to significant traffic congestion on both sides of the bridge as onlookers gathered at the site. Police teams from Chiloda station reached the spot to manage the situation, working diligently to clear traffic and disperse crowds to ensure safety and order.
As news of the accident spread, family members and residents of Moti Shiholi village gathered near the bridge, creating a tense and emotional atmosphere. A preliminary investigation by the Chiloda police suggests that Thakor was alone in the autorickshaw at the time of the accident, with initial findings indicating a loss of control while crossing the bridge.
The search for Rakesh Thakor continues, with authorities committed to exhausting all resources to resolve this tragic event. The community remains hopeful as rescue operations persist in the challenging conditions of the Sabarmati River.
