In a dramatic rescue operation, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 V5 helicopter from the Central Air Command in Prayagraj was deployed on Sunday morning to save two teenagers stranded atop an overhead water tank in the Siddharth Nagar area of Gorakhpur. The mission was carried out following a request from the state government after local efforts failed.
Background of the Incident
The rescue operation came nearly 15 hours after the ladder of a dilapidated water tank near Kanshiram Awas Colony collapsed on Saturday afternoon. Three adolescents who were on the ladder fell. One of them, identified as Siddharth (13), died on the spot. Two others, Golu (14) and Sunny (11), sustained injuries and were admitted to Madhav Prasad Tripathi Medical College for treatment. Meanwhile, two other teenagers, Pawan (17) and Kallu (17), who had climbed onto the tank with the group, were left stranded on top after the ladder gave way, unable to descend.
Condition of the Water Tank
Officials stated that the overhead water tank was originally built to supply water to households in Kanshiram Awas Colony but had remained unused for several years due to its deteriorating condition. The structure's poor state added to the complexity of the rescue.
Challenges Faced During Rescue
“Due to darkness, the height of the structure, and safety concerns, police and administration teams were unable to bring them down despite sustained efforts. A hydraulic ladder vehicle was also summoned from Gorakhpur, but the rescue remained unsuccessful through the night,” an official source explained. The rescue teams faced significant obstacles, including limited visibility and the risk of further collapse.
IAF Intervention
After repeated attempts by local authorities failed, District Magistrate Shivasharanappa GN contacted the Indian Air Force for assistance. Responding swiftly, the IAF dispatched a helicopter that arrived at the scene and executed an aerial rescue at around 5:15 am on Sunday. The operation safely brought down both stranded teenagers from the top of the tank, ending their ordeal.
Aftermath
Police have sent the body of the deceased for post-mortem examination. The injured teenagers are receiving medical care, and authorities are investigating the incident. The rescue highlights the critical role of the IAF in emergency situations where conventional methods fall short.
