Search continues for missing auto-rickshaw driver

The search for a 68-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, Vidyadharan, who was swept away after his vehicle plunged into a waterlogged canal at Vembayam a day ago, continued on Monday.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Thiruvananthapuram and Nedumangad, along with scuba diving teams and local residents, have been conducting an extensive search operation.

Vidyadharan and his wife, Lathakumari, a former panchayat member, were returning from a wedding reception on Sunday evening when the accident occurred. Heavy rainfall had caused the canal to overflow, making it difficult to distinguish the road from the waterway.

While negotiating a turn near the Chirrakkonam canal at Vettinad, the vehicle reportedly veered into the canal, causing both persons to fall into the river.

Local residents immediately rushed to their rescue and managed to save Lathakumari. However, Vidyadharan was swept away by the strong current. The autorickshaw also sank into the canal.

Search operations began soon after the accident, with fire personnel and local residents conducting searches until around 11 p.m. However, the operation was suspended due to darkness and poor visibility. It resumed at around 6 a.m. on Monday.

Scuba diving teams have been divided into two groups and are searching the canal and its adjoining waterways. Despite extending several kilometres downstream, the search operation has remained futile thus far. Fire force officials suspect that Vidyadharan may have been carried away by the current towards the Vamanapuram river.