Car swept away while crossing swollen canal in Chhattisgarh, couple missing

A car carrying three people was swept away in the overflowing Ghoghra Nala in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh on Sunday evening. Two occupants remain missing as police, rescuers and villagers continue searches amid strong currents.Villagers rushed to the spot and attempted to rescue the occupants, but the powerful current made rescue efforts impossible as the vehicle was quickly carried downstream. (Credits: Naresh Sharma)Sarangarh, Chhattisgarh,UPDATED: Jul 26, 2026 22:35 ISTA couple went missing after their car was swept away by a swollen stream in Chhattisgarh's Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district on Sunday evening amid incessant rainfall, while another occupant managed to save himself by jumping out of the vehicle, officials said.The incident occurred at the Ghoghra Nala on the Sarangarh-Baramkela road near Madhopali village in Baramkela block, where heavy rains had caused the seasonal stream to overflow.According to local residents, the accident took place when the driver attempted to drive the car across the waterlogged causeway despite the strong current. As the vehicle entered the overflowing stream, it lost balance and was swept away by the force of the water within moments.The occupants have been identified as Devanarayan Patel and his wife Savita Patel, who remain missing. A third person travelling in the vehicle managed to escape by jumping into the stream before the car was completely washed away. Villagers rushed to the spot and attempted to rescue the occupants, but the powerful current made rescue efforts impossible as the vehicle was quickly carried downstream.Following the incident, personnel from the Baramkela Police and rescue teams reached the site and launched a search operation for the missing couple. However, officials said the operation has been hampered by darkness and the strong flow of water in the stream. Local residents have also joined the rescue effort and are assisting the police in searching for the missing couple. Authorities said the operation would continue until the occupants are traced.The incident has triggered panic in the area, with heavy rainfall continuing across parts of the district. The administration has appealed to the public not to attempt crossing flooded streams, culverts or bridges during the monsoon, warning that rapidly flowing water can easily sweep away vehicles.Officials said further updates would be issued as the rescue operation progresses. The incident is the latest in a series of rain-related accidents reported from different parts of the country as heavy monsoon showers continue to cause flash floods and waterlogging in several states.- EndsWith inputs from Naresh SharmaPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Jul 26, 2026 22:34 IST