8-Hour Rescue Operation: Tamil Nadu Tourists’ Bus Stuck in Bhavnagar’s Maleshri River; 29 Lives Saved Amidst Flash Floods

A group of tourists from Tamil Nadu had a dangerous experience during their visit to Gujarat. Yesterday (September 26), heavy rainfall of more than 5 inches in Ghogha caused flash floods in the Maleshri River. 

At that time, the tourists were returning from Kaliyabid after visiting the Nishkalank Mahadev temple when their bus got trapped in the strong water current due to the driver’s negligence. The lives of 29 people were put in danger. Initially, the bus window was broken, and the tourists were transferred to a truck, but soon the truck also got stuck. 

By midnight, the situation became uncontrollable. However, with great effort, the authorities managed to conduct an 8-hour long rescue operation and safely saved all 29 tourists.

Uncontrollable Situation at Midnight: Authorities Rush to Rescue Tourists Trapped in Flood

At midnight, the situation became uncontrollable. As the bus got stuck in the water, the village head immediately informed the authorities. Upon receiving the information, the Ghogha Mamlatdar, administrative officials, and the police department promptly reached the scene. 

However, as the situation worsened, Bhavnagar Collector, Bhavnagar SP, MLA Jitu Vaghani, and others also arrived. A large team, including the Bhavnagar Fire Brigade, locals, and swimmers, joined the rescue operation.

Rescue Attempt Complicated as Truck Also Gets Stuck

Around 10:30 to 11 PM, a truck was safely brought near the bus, and the windows of the bus were broken to rescue the 29 passengers, transferring them into the truck. However, the situation became more difficult when the truck also got trapped in the strong water currents.

NDRF Team Arrives at Koliyak for Rescue Operation Around Midnight

As the situation worsened, the Bhavnagar Collector informed the NDRF team. The NDRF team from Amreli arrived at Koliyak around 12:30 to 1 AM. They then took charge and initiated the rescue operation.

29 Lives Saved by Authorities After Intense Rescue Effort

Despite all efforts failing against the strong water currents, relief came 2 to 3 hours later when the rainfall stopped, and the water level receded. Finally, another truck was brought in to rescue all the passengers. Thanks to the efforts of the NDRF team and local volunteers, all 29 people were saved, allowing the administration to breathe a sigh of relief.

Medical Check-Up Conducted for Rescued Tourists

Once the truck reached a safe location, a medical team and 108 emergency services were immediately available to conduct check-ups for all the passengers. Currently, the administration has arranged for the tourists to stay and dine at Patel Boarding in Kaliabid.

Bus Got Stuck Due to Driver’s Inexperience: District Collector

Bhavnagar District Collector R.K. Mehta commented on the incident, stating that continuous rainfall had been occurring in the district for two days. The bus from Tamil Nadu arrived in Koliyak for a temple visit, and since the driver was unfamiliar with the area, local residents had advised against crossing the causeway. 

However, due to the force of the water, half the bus remained on the causeway, while the other half was submerged. The authorities were informed around 6:45 to 7 PM. Immediately, locals, local leaders, the police department, revenue department, Mamlatdar, and other officials rushed to the scene. Later, I, along with the Commissioner and SP, also arrived at the site.

All Passengers Underwent Medical Check-Up: District Collector

The District Collector further stated that two fire brigade teams, along with our team, and later the NDRF team, were available for the rescue operation late at night. Thanks to the combined efforts, we were able to save a large number of tourists and bring them to safety. 

A primary health check-up is being conducted for all the passengers, treating any minor injuries or conditions such as lowered blood pressure or oxygen levels. Additionally, arrangements have been made for the tourists’ stay and meals in Bhavnagar. If they require further assistance, we are ready to provide it.

Water Levels Kept Fluctuating: MLA Jitu Vaghani

Former Cabinet Minister and Bhavnagar West MLA Jitubhai Vaghani commented on the incident, saying that a bus from Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, carrying 29 people, including the driver, had come for a visit to the Nishkalank Mahadev temple. Due to heavy rainfall and sea water, the bus got stuck on the causeway. 

Upon learning of the situation, the Chief Minister immediately dispatched the administrative team and me. All passengers were safely transferred from the bus to a truck, but the truck also got stuck, causing further complications. The water level kept fluctuating continuously. Several critical decisions were made after hours, and then the NDRF team arrived. However, the water current was so strong that even they had difficulty reaching the site.

Arrangements Will Be Made to Send Everyone Home: Jitu Vaghani

Jitubhai Vaghani further stated that after deciding to take a calculated risk, a local truck was sent to the site, and fire personnel helped evacuate four people from the opposite side. Passengers were rescued one by one using a ladder from one truck to another, and by reversing the truck, all passengers were safely brought out. The situation involved risky calculations, but fortunately, with God’s help, the rain stopped.

The administrative team successfully rescued all 29 people. They will be housed at Bhavnagar Patel Boarding, and arrangements will be made to send them home after discussions. Vaghani also expressed special thanks to the Chief Minister for his empathy, as the Chief Minister followed up on the incident three times, even at 3 AM.