Malappuram: A person is feared trapped after a mini-lorry plunged into a 65-foot-deep water-filled quarry at Oorothum Palliyal in Athavanad here on Thursday afternoon, with rescue operations now entering the fourth hour.

The accident occurred at around 2 pm when the vehicle reportedly lost control due to brake failure and fell into the quarry, submerging completely in the water. The driver, Jafar, managed to jump out of the vehicle as it fell and was rescued by local residents. He has been admitted to hospital. The cleaner, identified as Musthafa, remains trapped inside the submerged vehicle.

Scuba divers and other diving experts have located the lorry underwater, and efforts are under way to lift it to the surface using a crane.

The Fire and Rescue Services team from Tirur is leading the operation at the site.

Local residents said the lorry had taken the route along the quarry to avoid heavy congestion in the area due to a temple festival.