Kottayam (Kerala): Two individuals tragically lost their lives on Monday night when their car plunged into a stream near Kumarakom. 

The incident happened around 8:45 p.m. The rescue operation was launched after locals heard screams coming from the submerged car. They quickly rushed to the scene, managed to retrieve the vehicle with the help of fire department officials, and brought it back to shore before breaking the window to rescue the passengers. 

There were reportedly two individuals in the car, both of whom were rushed to Kottayam Medical College. However, they were pronounced dead at the hospital. 

The deceased has been identified as James George (48), a native of Kollam. Meanwhile, the co-passenger is identified as a 27-year-old woman named Sayali Rajendra Sarje. According to police, they duo rented the car from an agency in Kochi.

placeholder
James George

Local reports indicate that the car was travelling from Kottayam when it veered off the service road near Kaippuzhamuttu Bridge, ultimately plunging into the stream. The vehicle was discovered covered in mud. 

According to the police, George and Sayali Sarje may have visited the area to take a ride on a houseboat. Officials are currently investigating whether they had rented a hotel room, as their bags were found in the car. It is suspected that the driver may have been using Google Maps for navigation. It is claimed that heavy rain made the road difficult to see, and there were no safety warnings posted along the roadside.

The Rescue Operation

Around 20 fishermen and locals joined in the rescue efforts. Initially, the car was hard to locate due to strong currents and the muddy depth of the water. A scuba diving team from the fire force department took 45 minutes to retrieve the vehicle, which had fallen to a depth of 15 feet.

The local residents believe the accident was caused by the lack of signal lights, reflectors, and directional signs at the bridge on the Cherthala-Kumarakom road. They argued that the main road and service road are not distinguishable.