Five members of a family, including women and children, were rescued after their car plunged into a water-filled drain while they were following directions provided by Google Maps in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district, officials said on Monday.

The incident occurred on Sunday when Sahil, a resident of Dadri, was travelling with his family to a relative’s house in neighbouring Meerut district.

According to officials, the family was diverted to an alternative route after a road near the Delhi Phatak overbridge had been closed for repair work.

Waterlogging Concealed Deep Drain

As the vehicle entered the Anand Vihar Yojana area, Sahil reportedly mistook a flooded stretch for ordinary waterlogging because of poor visibility and continued driving.

Officials said the car then veered off the road and fell into a deep drain hidden beneath accumulated rainwater.

The vehicle’s electronic system allegedly malfunctioned after entering the drain, causing the doors to lock and trapping all five occupants inside.

With visibility poor and the drain submerged, the family was unable to escape on their own.

Two-Hour Rescue Operation

After receiving a distress call through Dial 112, police personnel rushed to the spot and called in the fire department for assistance.

Firefighters launched a rescue operation that lasted nearly two hours and managed to bring all five occupants out safely through the windows of the vehicle.

Chief Fire Officer Ajay Sharma said the family had accidentally entered the wrong route while relying on Google Maps and was unable to identify the hidden drain because of waterlogging in the area.

Officials said timely intervention by emergency teams helped avert a major tragedy.

Family Thanks Rescue Teams

Following the rescue, the family expressed gratitude to the police and fire department personnel for saving their lives.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by waterlogged roads and poor visibility during the monsoon season, particularly when temporary road closures force motorists onto unfamiliar routes.

Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution while navigating flooded stretches and to avoid entering roads where the depth of water cannot be assessed.

The rescued family escaped without serious injuries, officials said, thanks to the swift response of emergency services.

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