A multi-agency rescue operation successfully freed a 65-year-old woman whose leg became trapped in a PVC pipe in Kalewadi, Pune, on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred near Pachpir Chowk, where the pipe was part of a water supply valve. The operation lasted two hours and involved advanced cutting equipment and coordination among various civic bodies.
Incident Details
According to fire officials, the control room at the main fire station in Pimpri received an alert about the incident. A rescue team was immediately dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, firefighters found Smita Bhagwat Kasare stuck up to her knees inside a narrow PVC pipe measuring 200mm in diameter and 4 to 5 feet deep.
Challenges Faced
Officials reported that the woman's leg had twisted inside the pipe, making any movement impossible. Rushikant Chippade, a PCMC fire officer, stated, Considering the complexity, we called for additional manpower and specialised machinery. Rescue personnel carefully excavated the surrounding area and used battery-operated grinder cutters, hydraulic cutters, petrol-engine-operated cutters, and portable cutting equipment in the operation.
Rescue Efforts
Women fire personnel continuously interacted with Kasare to keep her calm and conscious. She was provided water and ensured proper ventilation throughout the operation. Several police personnel and engineers from the water supply department assisted at the site, coordinating excavation work and controlling the crowd.
Precautionary Measures
Fire officials emphasized that utmost care was taken to avoid damage to nearby water pipelines, electric cables, and PNG gas lines. The successful rescue highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation and specialized equipment in handling such emergencies.
