A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday night in Ahmedabad when a 45-year-old man, Manubhai Pitambardas Panchal, lost his life after being swept away into an open drainage channel. The accident took place on Odhav Canal Road during heavy rainfall around 8:50 PM. Panchal was riding his bike home when the strong water flow pulled him and his vehicle into the open drain, despite the presence of barricades at the site.
Eyewitnesses quickly alerted the authorities about the incident. Teams from the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES), including personnel from Odhav and Nikol fire stations, rushed to the scene. However, the powerful currents made it challenging for the rescue teams to search through the night. Unfortunately, neither Panchal nor his motorcycle could be found initially, leading to a prolonged search operation.
It was not until around 4 AM on Thursday that the water levels receded enough for rescue teams to safely enter the drain. After a search lasting nearly 10 hours, they managed to recover both the body of Panchal and his motorcycle.
Following the incident, the police registered a case of accidental death and have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Residents in the area have expressed their concerns regarding the safety infrastructure along Odhav Canal Road. Many pointed out that the barricades were insufficient and the open drains posed a serious danger during heavy rains.
Local community members are calling for better safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. They are demanding more robust barricading and improved drainage systems to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists alike during the monsoon season.
This incident highlights the urgent need for local authorities to address safety issues in flood-prone areas. As monsoon rains continue, residents are worried about further accidents if timely action is not taken to improve the safety of roads and drainage systems in Ahmedabad. The death of Manubhai Panchal serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by heavy rains and inadequate infrastructure, prompting calls for immediate reforms to protect the community.
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