9 Injured As Car Falls Into Lohawati River in Champawat; Local Youth, Rescue Teams Save Lives

A car carrying youths from Madhya Pradesh returning from army recruitment in Pithoragarh plunged into the Lohavati River.

Champawat: In a tragic accident on Monday evening, a car carrying youths from Madhya Pradesh, returning from the Pithoragarh army recruitment, went out of control and plunged into the Lohawati River from the Shivalaya bridge in Lohaghat, Champawat. Nine people, including the driver, sustained serious injuries in the mishap.

On receiving the information, local authorities, including the police, fire brigade, municipal workers and local youth, launched a swift rescue operation. Led by tahsildar Jagdish Singh Negi and SHO Ashok Kumar, the rescue teams managed to pull the injured out of the river and rushed them to the Champawat District Hospital in an ambulance. All nine victims are currently undergoing treatment.

Among those hailed for their bravery were local youth Ajay Dhek and municipal employee Sumit Gadkoti, who risked their lives to assist in the rescue effort. The operation also involved Municipal EO Saurabh Negi, Revenue Sub-Inspector Neeraj Kumar and several police and fire personnel, including ASI Gopal Sanwal, who were involved in the rescue operation.

The driver of the car is reportedly from Pithoragarh, while the other eight injured passengers are from Madhya Pradesh, who were on their way home after participating in the army recruitment drive in Pithoragarh. The cause of the accident is under investigation.