A family of three had a heart-stopping escape in the early hours of Thursday after they found themselves imprisoned inside their own vehicle following a sudden breakdown on a waterlogged road in Chennai's Perambur area.
A Midnight Nightmare Beneath the Flyover
The harrowing incident unfolded around 3 am beneath the Murasoli Maran flyover in Perambur. Heavy overnight showers had led to significant water accumulation, with the underpass seeing more than two feet of rainwater. The family, identified as Arasu (40), his wife, and their 10-year-old son, were returning to Chennai after a trip. Arasu, an iron trader from Vivekananda Nagar in Kodungaiyur, was at the wheel when the car malfunctioned while attempting to navigate the inundated stretch.
In a frightening turn of events, the vehicle's doors automatically locked following the breakdown, leaving the terrified occupants completely stranded inside the car as water surrounded them.
Community and Official Rescue Efforts
Alerted by the commotion, a few brave passers-by waded into the flooded underpass. They attempted to force open the jammed car doors. After a prolonged and strenuous effort, they finally succeeded in unlocking the vehicle and safely pulling Arasu and his family to safety.
However, the crisis was far from over. The car could not be restarted. Local residents promptly alerted the fire and rescue services. A team from the Sembium fire station rushed to the location to remove the stalled car, which was now causing a traffic obstruction.
Complex Recovery Operation
The recovery operation presented unexpected challenges. The car could not be simply pushed away because all four of its wheels were locked. To clear the crucial underpass and restore traffic flow, an innovative solution was required.
Subsequently, staff from a nearby car service centre were called upon. They manually removed the wheels of the vehicle, enabling it to be moved off the flyover underpass and finally clearing the path for other vehicles.
The entire episode highlights the dangers of waterlogging during Chennai's rains and the potential for unexpected vehicle malfunctions. It also stands as a testament to the swift action of compassionate locals and coordinated emergency services, which together averted a potential tragedy.
