Two Private Bank Employees Drown After SUV Gets Stuck in Flooded Underpass in Faridabad
In a tragic incident, two employees of HDFC Bank lost their lives after their sports utility vehicle (SUV) became submerged in a flooded underpass in Faridabad, Haryana on Friday night (September 13, 2024). The victims, Punyashray Sharma (48), a branch manager, and Viraj Dwivedi (26), a cashier, were returning home to Greater Faridabad from their workplace in Gurugram's Sector 31 when the accident occurred
Underpass Inundated Due to Heavy Rainfall
The old Faridabad Railway underpass had become heavily flooded due to incessant rainfall throughout the day. Despite warnings from the police to avoid the area, Sharma and Dwivedi, in their XUV 700, entered the underpass around 11:50 pm, failing to gauge the severity of the situation. As their vehicle got stuck in the deep floodwaters, water rapidly filled the car, trapping the duo inside
Rescue Efforts and Recovery of Bodies
Passers-by rushed to help Sharma and Dwivedi, and after considerable effort, managed to pull them out of the submerged vehicle. However, Viraj Dwivedi was pronounced dead at the scene. Punyashray Sharma was rushed to the Badshah Khan Civil Hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival
A long search operation was conducted to locate Dwivedi's body, which was finally recovered at around 4 am on Saturday. Inspector Samer Singh, SHO of the NIT Faridabad police station, confirmed the incident and stated that the victims' families have been informed. The bodies will be handed over to the next of kin after post-mortem examinations are completed
Warnings Ignored Despite Police Presence
The police had put up barricades near the underpass and were directing vehicles to take alternative routes due to the heavy waterlogging. However, Sharma and Dwivedi insisted on driving through the flooded underpass, ignoring the police warnings. According to authorities, the water level in the underpass was approximately 10-11 feet deep, causing their vehicle to submerge
Tragic Loss of Life and Lessons Learned
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the importance of heeding weather warnings and adhering to safety guidelines, especially during heavy rainfall. The tragic loss of life serves as a reminder to prioritize safety and be prepared for emergencies
As the nation mourns the passing of Punyashray Sharma and Viraj Dwivedi, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the public, to work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. By strengthening safety measures, increasing awareness, and ensuring prompt response during emergencies, we can honor the memory of those lost and make our communities more resilient in the face of natural disasters.
