In a heart-stopping incident at Odisha's famous Bali Jatra festival, eight people found themselves trapped on a malfunctioning mechanical swing suspended 30 feet in the air. The terrifying ordeal unfolded on Thursday evening at the historic Barabati Fort ground in Cuttack, requiring a complex two-hour rescue operation.
The Terrifying Ordeal Begins
What began as an evening of festive enjoyment quickly turned into a nightmare for eight visitors at one of Odisha's largest cultural festivals. The mechanical swing, a popular attraction at the annual Bali Jatra, suddenly stopped functioning while at its maximum height of approximately 30 feet. Panic ensued as the riders realized they were stranded high above the ground with no immediate way down.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing screams from the swing as it became apparent the ride had malfunctioned. Festival-goers quickly alerted authorities, triggering an emergency response that would test the capabilities of local rescue teams.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operation
Local police and fire services immediately rushed to the scene upon receiving distress calls around 7:30 PM. The Cuttack police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Prateek Singh, coordinated the challenging rescue mission. Fire service personnel brought specialized equipment to safely extract the trapped individuals from the precarious height.
The rescue operation lasted approximately two hours as emergency workers carefully brought down each person one by one. Using ladders and safety harnesses, the team worked methodically to ensure no one sustained injuries during the descent. The complexity of the operation was heightened by the darkness that had fallen over the festival grounds.
Medical teams stood by throughout the operation, ready to provide immediate assistance if needed. Fortunately, all eight individuals were successfully rescued without any reported injuries, though many were visibly shaken by the experience.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the successful rescue, authorities immediately launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest a mechanical failure caused the swing to stop functioning at its highest point. The exact nature of the technical malfunction remains under examination by technical experts.
The Cuttack district administration has ordered safety inspections of all amusement rides at the Bali Jatra festival. Officials have emphasized the need for stricter safety protocols and regular mechanical checks to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Bali Jatra, which translates to "Journey to Bali," is one of Odisha's most significant cultural events, commemorating the ancient maritime traditions of Odia merchants. The week-long festival typically attracts thousands of visitors daily, making safety measures of paramount importance.
Local authorities have assured the public that additional safety measures are being implemented across all amusement rides at the festival grounds. The incident has sparked conversations about regulating temporary amusement equipment at large public gatherings across India.
