Trapped In Sinking Car? Tips To Survive The Disaster

A 27-year-old Noida techie, Yuvraj Mehta, drowned after his SUV plunged into a deep water-filled construction pit in Greater Noida, sparking outrage over poor site safety. Despite desperate calls for help, he died in the early hours of January 17, highlighting the need for immediate survival actions in such crises. Police arrested builder Abhay Kumar of Wishtown Planners Pvt Ltd, with his partner Manish Kumar still at large.

What Happened

Yuvraj's Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara crashed through a broken boundary wall into a 30-70-foot-deep pit around 2:30 AM amid fog. He climbed onto the roof, signaled with his phone torch, and contacted his father, but rescue delays due to water depth and visibility led to his death by asphyxiation and heart failure.

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Key Survival Tips

Act fast in vehicle submersion scenarios to boost survival odds, as experts recommend based on similar incidents.

Stay calm and unbuckle immediately: Release your seatbelt first, then open windows or sunroof while electronics work (usually 1-2 minutes before water pressure locks them).

Escape through openings: Roll down windows fully or break side ones with an emergency tool if needed; avoid the sunroof initially as it fills faster.

Swim out and to safety: Once out, swim away from the sinking vehicle, aiming for the shore or high ground; call for help only after exiting.

If you can't swim, float, or signal: Climb to the highest point, conserve energy, use phone light or honk if possible, and yell for bystanders.

Prepare in advance: Carry a life hammer, a waterproof phone case, and know your vehicle's escape routes; avoid night driving in construction zones.

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What If You Are With Children?

Unbuckle yourself first so you can move freely. Then help the children, starting with the oldest, and push them out through the window before exiting yourself. Trying to help while still strapped in can slow everything down.

What If You Don't Know How to Swim?

This is a common fear, and it's important to address it. The good news is that you don't need to be a swimmer to stay safe; you just need to keep yourself afloat. After you exit the vehicle and move away from it, take a moment to focus on staying above the surface. To do this, tilt your head back, slightly spread your arms and legs, and breathe slowly. Remember that the human body tends to float when calm, as anxiety can cause you to sink.

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Things You Can Use to Float

Look for anything that traps air or does not absorb water to aid buoyancy.

Backpacks or handbags: Hug them to your chest like a pillow; even soaked bags help briefly.

Plastic water bottles: Empty or sealed bottles float well, hold one or more against your chest.

Car seat cushions or headrests: Foam materials usually float reliably.

Tyres or tubes: If loose, hold on and let them support your upper body.

Any hollow container: Lunch boxes or sealed items provide short-term flotation.