Heroine of Dungarpur: Woman Rescues Family from Drowning Car

Dungarpur, Rajasthan: In a daring act of courage, 35-year-old Surta Devi saved the lives of three people trapped in a car submerged in 10 feet of water—while onlookers merely recorded videos on their phones. Surta Devi, hailed as a real-life heroine, risked her own life to rescue a teacher, his wife, and their 11-month-old baby from certain death.

The Incident

The accident occurred around 10 a.m. near Herota village on the Banswara-Dungarpur highway. Dharmesh Yadav, a grade two teacher, was traveling to a wedding with his wife Shilpa and their infant son when their car lost control and plunged into a large water-filled ditch. Within seconds, the vehicle was almost completely submerged.

Hearing a loud thud, Surta Devi ran toward the scene without a second thought and immediately jumped into the water.

The Rescue: Bravery in Action

The car was fully submerged except for its roof. Surta first tried to break the glass alone. When unsuccessful, her daughter Ayushi and a nearby young man joined her. The young man broke the glass but sustained a deep injury in the process. Together, they managed to smash another window.

Inside, Surta first spotted the baby floating and quickly pulled him to safety. Then she rescued the father, who was unconscious, followed by the mother, who was trapped.

Indifference of the Crowd

While a large crowd gathered at the scene, most were busy recording the incident on their phones. Only a few, including the young man who helped Surta, actively assisted. This incident raises a critical question: are we helpers or mere spectators during emergencies?

Aftermath

All three victims were initially taken to Dungarpur Hospital. The infant is reported stable, while Dharmesh and Shilpa sustained serious injuries and were immediately referred to Udaipur for further treatment. The police have launched an investigation and are taking statements from local witnesses.

A Message of Courage and Humanity

Surta Devi, the brave rescuer, said simply:

“If you see an accident, help immediately. That’s why I ran. God gave me the courage, and everyone was saved.”

Today, Dungarpur hails her as a true guardian angel. Her courage serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, action and compassion matter more than cameras and onlookers.