Tourists Experience Terrifying Ordeal at Munnar Sky Dining Facility
A group of tourists experienced a harrowing 90-minute ordeal when they found themselves stranded mid-air at a private sky dining setup in Anachal, Idukki, on Friday. The incident occurred due to a technical failure in the crane mechanism that suspends the dining platform, leaving both tourists and service staff dangling helplessly above the ground.
Technical Failure Leads to Mid-Air Stranding
According to initial reports from authorities, the crane failed due to a fault in its hydraulic lever, making it impossible for operators to lower the suspended dining deck. The facility, operated by Southern Skies Aerodynamics, had been launched only a few months earlier as part of Idukki's push to promote adventure tourism.
A report by Manorama Online confirmed that eight tourists and service staff were left stranded at the newly opened restaurant for more than one and a half hours. The platform, which can accommodate up to 16 people at a time according to local sources, became a trap when the lifting equipment malfunctioned.
Rescue Operations and Failed Initial Attempts
The privately owned establishment first attempted to rescue the stranded individuals using ropes, but these efforts proved unsuccessful. Following the failure of their initial rescue attempt, the operators sought assistance from the fire force to safely bring down the trapped tourists and staff.
Dr Dinesan Cheruvat, Idukki Collector, earlier told Manorama News that there was no immediate cause for panic despite the equipment malfunction. Rescue teams worked diligently to stabilize the mechanism and eventually succeeded in bringing all stranded individuals safely to the ground.
Social Media Backlash and Public Reaction
As videos and images of the incident spread across social media platforms, netizens quickly expressed their concerns about adventure activity safety standards in India. One user starkly commented, "At this point, anyone trying to do adventure in our country is a fool," while another stated "Life in India is a joke."
The incident has sparked broader conversations about safety protocols and regulations governing adventure tourism activities across the country. Many social media users pointed to this event as another reminder to avoid adventure activities they consider unsafe in India.
The visual evidence circulating online shows the elevated dining structure suspended in mid-air while rescue personnel worked to stabilize the mechanism and bring the terrified tourists back to safety. The incident has raised serious questions about the safety standards maintained at such adventure tourism facilities.
