Ahmedabad witnessed torrential downpours accompanied by intense thunder and lightning on Wednesday (25th June). The Maninagar area received over two inches of rain between 7-8 pm, leading to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas. The heavy rainfall created flood-like conditions in Odhav, where tragedy struck when a middle-aged man was swept into a drainage canal along with his motorcycle.
Fire department teams recovered the victim's body approximately 200 feet downstream from where he fell into the uncovered drainage line near Ambikanagar in Odhav. CCTV footage shows the horrifying moment when the 45-year-old victim, identified as Manubhai Panchal, was dragged into the open drain with his bike. The incident has raised serious questions about the municipal corporation's preparedness.
Despite annual monsoon warnings, authorities left drainage covers removed on busy roads without proper barricades or warnings. Knee-deep water made these open drains virtually invisible, creating deadly traps for pedestrians and motorists. Shockingly, neither the administration has taken responsibility nor offered condolences to the bereaved family, as per reports.
The intense rainfall (reaching 4 inches in eastern areas) inundated roads across eastern and western Ahmedabad. Major affected areas included Motera, Jhundal, Chandkheda, Ranip, Jagatpur, Gota, and New Ranip. Critical routes near Khokhra, Jasodanagar, Hatkeshwar Circle, and CTM became impassable, severely disrupting traffic.
