A forty-five-year-old man experienced a miraculous escape on Sunday afternoon. His car plunged into the Subansiri river after overshooting a ferry at the Selek-Dhunaguri ghat in Majuli.
Quick Rescue by Alert Passengers
Tirtha Bhuyan, a resident of Narayanpur in Lakhimpur district, survived the terrifying incident. Alert passengers aboard the vessel rescued him immediately. However, his vehicle sank completely into the deep waters.
Details of the Afternoon Incident
The incident occurred around 2:30 PM. Bhuyan was returning home from Majuli at the time. Witnesses described a frightening sequence of events.
He drove his car onto wooden planks placed between the river ghat and the ferry. These planks help vehicles board the vessel. Unfortunately, Bhuyan failed to apply the brakes in time.
This caused the vehicle to cross over to the other side of the ferry. It plunged directly into the river without hesitation.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe the Terror
Ranjit Pegu, a fellow passenger, witnessed the entire accident. He shared his harrowing experience.
"The car went straight through and started sinking immediately," Pegu said. "It was a terrifying moment. The water is very deep at that point, and we feared the worst."
Miraculous Escape from the Sinking Car
As the vehicle began submerging, Bhuyan demonstrated remarkable presence of mind. He managed to open the door and escape from the sinking car.
Fellow passengers on the ferry reacted quickly. They threw him a rope without delay. Bhuyan grabbed hold of the rope firmly.
This allowed the passengers to pull him to safety aboard the vessel. Their coordinated effort made the rescue possible.
"He was struggling in the water, but thankfully he got out of the car quickly," Pegu explained. "We immediately threw whatever rope we could find. Several of us worked together to pull him up. It could have ended very differently."
Stable Condition and Official Confirmation
Local authorities confirmed important details after the incident. Bhuyan's condition remained stable following the terrifying ordeal.
No injuries were reported from the accident. Passengers and ferry operators provided immediate assistance to Bhuyan.
They took him for a medical examination as a precautionary measure. This ensured his complete safety after the traumatic experience.
Vehicle Remains Submerged in River
The car could not be retrieved despite efforts. It remains submerged in the deep waters of the Subansiri river.
Recovery operations face significant challenges due to the river's depth. The vehicle's current location complicates retrieval attempts.
This incident highlights the dangers associated with river ferry crossings. It also demonstrates the importance of quick thinking during emergencies.
