In a dramatic turn of events, two youths using Google Maps for navigation drove their car into a swollen river in Keralas northernmost Kasaragod district. The incident occurred as they were on their way to a hospital in neighboring Karnataka. Miraculously, they emerged unscathed after their vehicle got stuck in a tree.On Sunday, footage of Fire Force personnel rescuing the youths from the overflowing river in Pallanchi went viral on social media. The youths managed to alert rescuers only because their vehicle, swept away by strong water currents, had become lodged in a tree.Navigational MishapThe rescued individuals explained that they were using Google Maps during the early hours of their journey. Abdul Rasheed, one of the youths, recounted their ordeal. He mentioned that Google Maps directed them onto a narrow road. Using the vehicles headlight, we noticed some water ahead. However, we didnt realize there was a river on both sides and a bridge in the middle without sidewalls. As their car began to be carried away by the current, it eventually got stuck in a tree on the riverbank. Seizing the moment, they opened the car doors, exited the vehicle, and sent their location to the Fire Force personnel. The rescuers arrived promptly, using ropes to pull the men to safety.A Narrow EscapeReflecting on the incident, Rasheed expressed his astonishment at their survival. We never thought that we could come back to life. We truly feel that it is a rebirth, he said.Similar IncidentsThis incident follows a similar occurrence last month when a group of tourists from Hyderabad drove into a swollen stream near Kuruppanthara in Kottayam. They were also using Google Maps. Thanks to the timely intervention of a nearby police patrol unit and local residents, all four tourists escaped unharmed, although their vehicle was completely submerged.
