Speeding car loses control, plunges into canal in Madhya Pradesh; 3 youths killed

BHOPAL: Three young men were killed late Friday night after a speeding car lost control on the Itarsi–Pathrota road, in Narmadapuram district, smashed through the railing of a bridge and plunged into the canal.Police said the car, coming from the Itarsi side, swerved, rammed the bridge railing and fell into the canal. People at the spot claimed the occupants were seen banging on the doors in a desperate attempt to escape as the vehicle began to sink.

Locals alerted the police. Teams from Itarsi and Pathrota police stations reached the site.A local youth jumped into the canal moments after the crash to try and rescue the occupants, but the depth of the water and strong current forced him to retreat.With the car fully submerged, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was called in from Narmadapuram.After a nearly two-and-a-half-hour operation, the SDRF team managed to retrieve the vehicle from the canal. When the doors were opened, all three occupants were found dead.Police said there were clear signs the victims had struggled to get out. “They appear to have tried breaking the windows, but could not escape,” said an officer.Police said the deceased have been identified as Shivam Tiwari, 25, resident of Pathrota, Lucky Patel 30, resident of Raisalpur and Rajesh Chauhan 20 resident of Itarsi. Police have registered a case.