Lakhimpur Kheri, Nov 26 (UNI) A tragic accident occurred late Tuesday night when an Alto car returning from a wedding ceremony plunged into the Sharda Canal near Paras Purwa village on the Dakehrwa–Girjapuri Highway in the Padhua police station area. Five people lost their lives, while the driver remains critically injured, police confirmed on Wednesday
The incident occurred around 1:00 am on Wednesday. Residents reported hearing a loud splash as the car fell into the canal, which prompted nearby people to rush to the scene. By the time they arrived, the vehicle had almost completely submerged. Witnesses said the passengers were seen struggling inside, but the car sank within moments.
Locals immediately informed the police. Sub-Inspector Abhishek Singh and his team from Padhua police station reached the site. With the help of villagers, they arranged a rope and a boat to enter the canal. Villagers tied the submerged vehicle with the rope and managed to pull it to the bank.
The doors of the car were reportedly locked, forcing rescuers to break the windows with bricks. All six occupants were removed from the vehicle. One victim briefly regained consciousness after CPR, but five others remained unresponsive. They were rushed to CHC Ramiya Behar, where doctors declared five people dead.
The deceased have been identified as Jitendra (23), Ghanshyam (25), Lalji (45), Surendra (50), and Azimullah, all residents of the Ghaghra Barrage area of Sujauli police station in Bahraich. Four of the deceased were employees of the Ghaghra Barrage in Bijnor. The driver, Bablu, is admitted in critical condition.
Residents Abhimanyu, Robin, and Umesh, who were among the first responders, said the rescue was extremely challenging due to darkness and the fast-flowing canal. Their efforts, along with the police, helped recover the vehicle and rescue the victims, though five lives could not be saved.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident, including reports that the car’s doors had automatically locked, preventing passengers from escaping.
