Patna: An attempt by three youths to cross a flooded diversion on a motorcycle turned into a tragedy in Bihar’s Bhojpur district on Tuesday, officials said.
The youths were swept away by a strong current while attempting to cross the Cher river diversion on the Shahpur-Banahi Road.
One of the three youths was rescued with the help of local residents, while two others remain missing.
Their motorcycle was also swept away by the floodwaters.
The missing youths have been identified as Sachin Ravani, 21, and Sandeep Ravani, 20, residents of Shobhitola in Ward number 1 of Shahpur Nagar Panchayat.
According to an official, the three youths had travelled to Rudranagar village on a motorcycle. While returning, they reached the Cher river diversion, where floodwater was flowing across the road with considerable force.
Despite the strong current, the youths attempted to cross the flooded diversion on the motorcycle.
When they reached the middle of the water, the force of the current reportedly swept them off balance, carrying the three youths and their motorcycle downstream.
On witnessing the incident, local residents immediately launched a rescue effort.
After considerable effort, they managed to pull one of the youths to safety.
However, Sachin Ravani and Sandeep Ravani were swept away and could not be located.
Police reached the spot after being informed and launched a search operation with the assistance of local divers.
The strong current has made the search operation difficult.
The administration has also called in a team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
A larger search operation is expected to begin after the SDRF team reaches the site.
The families of the two missing youths have gathered at the location and are waiting for information about their whereabouts.
Police and administrative teams continue to search the river for the missing youths. They are using big nets to fish out the victims at several locations away from the spot.
(IANS)
