Close call in Kolkata as trainee loses control and vehicle sinks into open drain

Panic erupted at Brigade Ground in Kolkata on Friday afternoon when a commercial cab, being used for a driving lesson, lost control and plunged into a deep drain. The vehicle was occupied by a trainee driver and an instructor, both of whom miraculously escaped without injury. Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying, noting that survival seemed unlikely, yet both managed to exit safely before the car sank fully.

The incident occurred around 12:30 PM when the trainee, under guidance from an experienced instructor, suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The car veered off the road due to panic and speed, plunging into a drain at the edge of the field. Local residents and on-duty police immediately rushed to assist, preventing any serious harm. The Brigade Ground police arrived shortly after and, using a JCB machine and a crane, successfully retrieved the car from the drain.

Authorities have launched a preliminary investigation to determine if safety standards were adhered to during the lesson. Public concern has risen over the practice of learning to drive in open, crowded areas. Residents highlighted the risks posed not only to learners but also to pedestrians, especially given the lack of safety barriers around open drains and other hazards in the vicinity.

The police and city administration warned that conducting driving lessons in public areas without proper permission and safety measures is illegal. Strict action has been promised against those responsible, with officials urging driving schools and individuals to ensure all safety protocols are strictly followed in controlled environments to prevent similar accidents.