Kochi: Newly married couple Karthik and Vismaya experienced a life-changing incident on Friday night when their car plunged into a roadside well in Ernakulam district. Interestingly, they came out unharmed from the mishap.

The accident

Just two months into their marriage, Karthik, who works at the state-run Medical College and Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, and Vismaya, an agriculture student, had taken a Puja holiday break to visit Karthik's hometown in Aluva. On Friday night, while driving from Vismaya's hometown of Kottarakara to Aluva, the couple's vehicle lost control after hitting a dip (chapath) in the road near Kolencherry.

"We were driving when our car hit a dip filled with water, lost control, and crashed into a panchayat well about 30 metres away," Karthik recounted.

Eyewitness Chakkapan described the scene at approximately 9:20 p.m. "The road had a major dip that was difficult to see due to the rain. When the car hit the wall of the well, it broke the structure and fell in," he said.

Local resident Mary, along with her son, responded immediately, retrieving a ladder to assist in the rescue. "Karthik managed to get Vismaya on top of the car, and they both climbed up the ladder," Mary said.

Narrow escape

Despite their vehicle being completely destroyed, Karthik expressed gratitude for their survival. "We did not suffer any injuries. Apart from the mental trauma, we are fine. It was a narrow escape," he said.

Karthik explained the moments leading up to their fall into the well. "As the water began to rise in the vehicle, I realised we were in a well. I hit the brakes, but it all happened so fast. I felt terrified as we fell," he recalled. Fortunately, the water level was low at about six feet, which allowed them to climb on top by opening the door.

Rescue and aftermath

The couple was trapped in the car for approximately 10 minutes before local residents arrived for help. "When we got out, the water was up to my knees. I was standing on the seat. Fortunately, the door didn't jam," Karthik explained.

The couple’s car was later pulled out of the well using a crane, marking the end of a terrifying night for the newly-weds.

The visuals of the rescue mission are doing rounds on social media.

With IANS inputs