MAPUSA
In a bizarre late-night mishap, two tourists from Chandigarh had a narrow escape after their jeep plunged into the river at a defunct ferry ramp in Corjuem-Aldona.
The incident occurred around 2 am when the driver reportedly followed directions from Google Maps, which led the vehicle onto the unused ferry wharf amid heavy rains. The driver, identified as Aman Singh, currently residing in Moira, managed to escape by tearing open the roof of the vehicle and swimming to the shore.
The incident came to light only after villagers noticed the vehicle submerged in the river early in the morning and alerted authorities. Firefighters from the Mapusa Fire Station rushed to the spot and carried out a recovery operation with the assistance of two local residents from Aldona, who entered the deep waters and helped fasten the vehicle for towing.
According to fire officials, two occupants were inside the jeep at the time of the incident. While both managed to escape unhurt, the discovery of several beer and liquor bottles inside the vehicle has raised suspicion of possible drunk driving.
“The tourists are lucky to be alive. The vehicle was completely submerged when we reached the site,” a fire official said, adding that the swift response of locals helped in recovering the vehicle safely.
Fire officials also urged authorities to implement preventive safety measures at the location, such as installing a gate or barrier near the defunct ferry ramp, to prevent similar incidents in the future”especially during late-night hours when visibility is poor.
The jeep was later pulled out of the river and handed over to the local police for further investigation. Police are verifying the tourists’ statements and are likely to examine whether alcohol consumption played a role in the mishap.
