Palakkad, Kerala: A newly inaugurated municipal vehicle plunged into a river in Kerala's Palakkad district moments after its flag-off ceremony on Monday, November 3, 2025. The incident occurred during the inauguration of the Navakanti Swap Shop in Thrissur at approximately 12:35 PM.
The vehicle, a four-wheeled electric vehicle purchased for lakhs of rupees, was intended for a project to transport goods to the Swap Shop and distribute them to those in need. According to reports, the vehicle was flagged off by Municipality Chairman P. N. Surendran. As Bindu, a member of the Harithakarma Sena and the driver, started to move the vehicle forward, she lost control, causing it to veer into the river. Standing Committee Chairman P. R. Aravindakshan was also in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Aravindakshan and Bindu were able to exit the submerged vehicle. Employees present at the scene quickly jumped into the river and rescued both individuals.
Following the rescue, a crane was used to retrieve the vehicle from the river. Aravindakshan and Bindu were then transported to the Wadakkanchery District Hospital, where they received initial medical treatment. Fortunately, both passengers escaped the incident unharmed.
The inauguration ceremony continued despite the mishap. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the plunge.
This incident is not the first of its kind in Kerala. In March 2025, a family of five narrowly escaped a similar accident in Thrissur when their car, guided by Google Maps, veered off the road and into the Gayathripuzha River. In another incident in July 2024, two youths in Kasaragod were rescued by fire personnel after Google Maps led them into a swollen river.
Concerns regarding road safety and the reliability of navigation apps have been raised following these incidents. Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution, especially when traveling on unfamiliar roads or in challenging conditions.
