CHENNAI: An auto driver, who accidentally slipped into the Cooum River in the early hours of Wednesday, was rescued safely after three hours.
According to sources, Subramani (54), who operates from an auto stand at Chepauk, parked his vehicle on the roadside on Sivananda Salai and went to relieve himself on the banks of the Cooum around 4 am, when he slipped into the river accidentally.
“After we rescued him, he told us that it was very dark at that hour and he stepped on something that caused him to slip into the water,” said a Fire Service officer.
For nearly two-and-a-half hours Subramani managed to stay afloat in the sludge-filled water and was shouting for help. Only after 6.30 am, passersby noticed him and alerted the fire service.
Fire and Rescue Services personnel, upon reaching the spot, threw a rope for Subramani to hold and reach the banks. But having been in the water for hours, he barely had the strength to hold it.
Finally, a firefighter ventured into the water, fastened a rope around Subramani and pulled him out.