Car plunges into Birupa River in Cuttack; one rescued, search on for another

A major rescue operation is underway in Cuttack after a car plunged into the Birupa River near Jagatpur’s Pandasahi area. The vehicle, which was reportedly travelling with the help of Google Maps, lost balance and slipped off the riverbank, leading to a frantic search-and-rescue effort.

One Person Rescued, Another Still Trapped

Locals and fire service personnel rushed to the spot immediately after the incident. One person has been successfully rescued with the help of locals, while another is feared to be trapped inside the submerged vehicle. According to locals, the car was moving at high speed, and the occupants had come to the area for a restaurant opening.

"The car was at speed. They said they came here for a restaurant opening. Team members have rescued one person, and they are now searching for the other. It is suspected that two persons were inside the car," a local eyewitness said.

Massive Rescue Efforts Underway

Fire services officials, scuba divers and ODRAF personnel have been deployed in full strength. The team is working continuously to locate the missing individual and recover the car from the river. Rescue operations are ongoing under challenging conditions due to water depth and poor visibility.

"We got the information that a car has fell in the Birupa River and a child is inside the car. But after coming here, people are saying different things. Locals have rescued one person and they are not sure how many people were inside the car," said police officer. 

As efforts continue in full swing, authorities remain hopeful of tracing the missing occupant. The incident has raised concerns over the dangers of blindly relying on navigation apps in unfamiliar or risky terrain.