Tragic End to Four-Day Search in Narmada Canal
Fire and emergency personnel in Vadodara recovered the body of the second drowning victim from the Narmada Canal on Wednesday, bringing a sorrowful conclusion to a four-day search operation. The deceased, identified as Shubham Pathak, was found several kilometers downstream from the spot where he and his friend had tragically slipped into the water on Sunday evening.
Fatal Stop on the Way Home from Pavagadh
The incident occurred when Pathak, along with his friend Rahul Yadav and two other companions, were returning to Vadodara from a trip to Pavagadh. The group decided to make a stop near the canal along Halol Road. According to reports, Yadav entered the canal to wash his feet but lost his footing and was swept away by the strong current.
In a brave but ultimately fatal attempt to rescue his friend, Shubham Pathak jumped into the water. Unfortunately, the powerful flow of the canal dragged him away as well, leading to a double tragedy. The search for the two teachers began immediately after the incident was reported.
Bodies Found Days Apart
The body of Rahul Yadav was successfully located and retrieved from the canal a day earlier, on Tuesday. The discovery of Pathak's body on Wednesday brought the exhaustive search to a close. Firemen found Pathak's body stuck in a canal gate, a significant distance from the original point of entry, highlighting the force of the water.
The recovery operation involved dedicated teams who combed the canal for days. The local community and the educational institutions where the young men worked have been plunged into mourning by this devastating loss.
This tragic event underscores the hidden dangers of canals, especially those with strong, unpredictable currents. Authorities often warn against entering such waterways for bathing or washing, but accidents continue to claim lives. The incident near Halol Road serves as a grim reminder of the need for increased public awareness and safety measures around water bodies.
