Wadakkanchery: A newly purchased van of the Wadakkanchery Municipality plunged straight into the river soon after being flagged off by the municipal chairman on Monday. Two people in the vehicle miraculously escaped.

The vehicle had been purchased for the municipality's reusable materials collection centre (Kaimattakkada). The mishap occurred during the inauguration ceremony at noon, when Municipal Chairman P N Surendran flagged off the vehicle.

As the vehicle moved forward, it lost control and fell into the river. There were no people in front of the van at the time, evading a potential tragedy.

Standing Committee Chairperson P R Aravindakshan and shop vehicle driver Bindu, who were inside the vehicle, were briefly submerged in the water. Aravindakshan managed to open the door and come out first, followed by Bindu. Municipal staff who were on the shore jumped into the river and helped them to safety.

The vehicle was later retrieved from the river.