Public TV staffer risks his own life, helps save five people stuck at KR Circle underpass

BENGALURU: Public Hero Vijaykumar, a staffer with Public TV, rescued five people, including the driver of the MUV which was trapped in the waterlogged underpass at KR Circle in Bengaluru on Sunday. Unfortunately, 23-year-old Infosys employee Bhanurekha died after drowning. With his presence of mind, Vijaykumar managed to save four other members of the family and the driver of the vehicle.

Vijaykumar put his life at risks to save those who were trapped in the car. Within 10 minutes of rainfall, the underpass at KR Circle had got completely waterlogged. A rescue team, which was on the way, and two people joined hands in rescue operation.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath appreciated Vijaykumar’s courage and presence of mind. The BBMP also plans to felicitate him for his work. Joint Commisssioner of Police (Traffic) M N Anucheth too has announced cash award for his courageous act.

Bhanurekha’s family members had come to Bengaluru from Andhra Pradesh on a visit and she was taking them around the city when tragedy struck. They had visited many places including the Bangalore Palace, Lalbagh, Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha in a hired vehicle on Sunday. Bhanurekha was an employee with Infosys and hailed from Telaprolu village in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.

After the sudden downpour, the K R Circle underpass got completely flooded. Not realising, the cab driver drove towards the underpass and the car got stuck there. In panic, Bhanurekha opened the car window in an attempt to get out, but the flood water gushed into the car. Bhanurekha took in water and fell unconscious.

Fortunately, rescue teams rushed to the site in time and helped them out. She was immediately admitted to a hospital by the other family members, but did not respond to treatment.