Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development M A A Fatmi had a close shave on Thursday when the engine of a motorboat ferrying him failed and the vessel was swept downstream by the Bagmati river in full spate.

Ironically, Fatmi, who is the local Parliamentarian, had come to review the flood situation in Darbhanga district of Bihar and was rescued by some of the victims of the current deluge.

"God only knows what would have happened had these people not come to my rescue... Thank God I am safe and able to talk to you," a shaken Fatmi told PTI over phone.

The Union minister, along with some others, was on way to Thalwara in Hayaghat block when the engine of the motorboat fell silent and the vessel was being swept downstream by the strong current.

He later narrated how the boat took a 'surprise turn' towards the railway bridge at Mundapul and crashed into one of its pillars.