A Close Call: How Quick Thinking Averted Disaster for Minister Saji Cherian

Imagine you're on a routine evening drive, the sun perhaps just starting to dip, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a terrifying jolt shakes your vehicle. That's precisely the heart-stopping experience Kerala's Minister for Fisheries and Culture, Saji Cherian, endured just recently. What began as a rather ordinary journey quickly transformed into a nail-biting encounter, one that thankfully ended without tragedy, all thanks to some incredibly quick thinking.

The incident, which unfolded around 6 PM on the Cherthala-Arthunkal road, saw the Minister traveling towards Arthunkal to attend a cultural programme. It was a typical evening commute, one might say, until the unexpected happened: the rear tyre of his official vehicle suddenly burst. Now, anyone who's ever been in a car when a tyre blows knows the sheer panic it can induce, especially at speed. The vehicle can swerve violently, making it incredibly difficult to control and posing a serious risk to everyone inside.

It was in that critical split-second, amidst the chaos and the potential for severe danger, that his personal security officer (PSO) and driver, Sanal, demonstrated truly remarkable composure. With an instinctive grasp of the situation, Sanal skillfully wrestled control of the lurching car, managing to bring it to a safe, controlled stop on the roadside. It’s no exaggeration to say that his immediate and expert response averted what could have been a catastrophic accident. Think about it: a high-speed tyre burst, especially on a public road, has all the ingredients for a major mishap.

Thankfully, both Minister Saji Cherian and the other occupants – his driver and a gunman – emerged completely unharmed. Not a scratch, which truly is a testament to Sanal’s driving prowess. Following this dramatic event, police quickly arranged an alternative vehicle, allowing the Minister to continue his journey and fulfill his engagement at the cultural programme. A narrow escape, indeed.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of road travel and, more importantly, the invaluable role that skilled and vigilant drivers play in ensuring our safety. It’s easy to take routine journeys for granted, but moments like these underscore the fact that vigilance, quick reflexes, and professional training can quite literally be lifesavers. It truly makes you appreciate those behind the wheel, doesn't it?