Tragic Canal Plunge in Ahmedabad: Two Dead, One Missing After INSTA REEL Stunt Goes Wrong
Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad was left in shock after a reckless attempt to shoot Instagram reels turned into a tragedy in the Fatehwadi Canal near the Juhapura-Sarkhej area. Three young men drove a rented Scorpio car into the canal, resulting in two confirmed deaths, while one person remains missing.
The first victim recovered was Yaksh Bhankodiya, who was initially driving the vehicle before handing over control to Yash Solanki moments before the accident. Hours later, rescue teams found Yash’s body as well. However, the search is still ongoing for Krish Dave, the third occupant of the ill-fated vehicle.
13-Hour Search Operation for Missing Victim
Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services have been tirelessly searching for over 13 hours in hopes of locating Krish. Investigations revealed that Yaksh was originally behind the wheel, but after reaching a stretch near Vasna Barrage Road, he allowed Yash to take over. Tragically, Yash an inexperienced driver mistakenly hit the accelerator instead of the brake, sending the car plunging straight into the canal, according to police sources.
The vehicle had been rented for ₹3,500 for four hours specifically for filming Instagram reels. The M Division Traffic Police have launched an investigation, and authorities are once again urging parents to be vigilant, as the pursuit of social media fame is increasingly leading to life-threatening consequences.
How the Incident Unfolded
The tragedy began on Wednesday evening when Maulik Jaleria rented a self-drive Scorpio car. He, along with Uday Vyanta (New Vasna) and Dhruv Solanki (Vejalpur), drove to Vasna Bhatha Canal Road, where they met up with their friends Viraj Singh Rathod (Paldi), Yaksh Bhankodiya (Ambawadi), Yash Solanki (Ambawadi), and Krish Dave (Paldi).
After Yaksh drove the car for a while, he handed it over to Yash, with Krish also inside the vehicle. However, Yash’s lack of driving skills resulted in disaster as he mistakenly hit the accelerator, causing the car to plunge straight into the canal.
Realizing the severity of the situation, Viraj Singh Rathod attempted a rescue by throwing a rope, but the strong currents quickly swept the three young men away. Locals at the scene rushed to help and immediately alerted emergency services. Officers from Vasna police station, including Police Inspector R.N. Patel, senior officials, and local divers, responded promptly. However, when they retrieved the submerged vehicle, they found it empty.
Authorities Halt Water Flow for Rescue Efforts
According to police, the youths had rented the vehicle solely to film Instagram reels and had driven to the canal for this purpose. Upon learning about the accident, authorities informed the victims’ families, who rushed to the location as rescue operations were underway.
Local councillor Mehul Shah confirmed that authorities halted the water flow from the barrage to aid rescue operations. A crane was used to pull the submerged vehicle from the canal, and fire brigade officials have alerted villages downstream to help locate the missing individual.
As search efforts continue, this tragic incident stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless behavior in pursuit of fleeting social media fame. Authorities urge young people to prioritize safety over viral content and avoid life-threatening stunts.