The Mahindra Thar is a highly popular and capable 4×4 SUV in the Indian market. It was once the most affordable 4×4 SUV one could buy in India. Ever since the launch of the current generation Thar, the SUV has gained immense popularity and has become a common sight on the roads. There are several videos available online showing the SUV being driven through rough terrains. However, not all off-road expeditions go as planned, and there have been instances where even 4×4 vehicles have gotten stuck. Recently, we came across a report from Uttarakhand where three men in a Mahindra Thar got stuck after driving the SUV directly into a fast-flowing river.
The video was uploaded by Prateek Singh on his YouTube channel, and a version of it is also circulating online. According to reports, the incident occurred in Uttarakhand’s Almora. Three men in a Mahindra Thar attempted to cross the Ramganga river, which was swollen beyond its usual level due to heavy rain.
Unaware of the river’s depth, they tried to drive the Thar to the other side of the road. As they reached the midway point, the SUV became stuck, and the three men found themselves stranded. The video clearly shows that the occupants of the car were in trouble, with the water level rising above the bonnet, leaving only the roof of the SUV above water.
After seeing the SUV stuck in the fast-flowing river, some locals came to the aid of the stranded occupants. One of them climbed onto the roof of the SUV, while people on the other side of the river threw stones to help him break the glass. Due to the strong current, the car’s doors could not be opened, and it’s unclear whether they got locked after water entered the vehicle. The person on the roof of the car eventually managed to break the rear window with a rock.
A rope was tied to the SUV and a tree on the other side of the river, likely to prevent the SUV from being washed away. This was also meant to help the passengers safely cross to the other side. In the video, we can see one of the occupants wearing a life jacket while crossing the river after exiting the SUV.
This video serves as a perfect example that even a capable 4×4 SUV can get stuck. Driving a 4×4 does not mean it can traverse any terrain. The driver should have made more prudent decisions before attempting to cross the river, such as consulting with locals or bringing backup vehicles to help in case the SUV got stuck. It is not clear whether the driver attempting this for the first time or not. We have seen off-road videos of Mahindra Thar but, this is probably the first time we have come across an incident like this. It is said that the occupants in the SUV were from Delhi. We strongly advise against attempting such stunts, as the risk of occupants getting trapped and drowned is very high. Additionally, the SUV appears to be damaged, and repairing it will likely be an expensive affair.