Lucknow: In a dramatic rescue operation, two teenagers stranded atop an unused overhead water tank in Siddharthnagar district were airlifted to safety by an Indian Air Force helicopter on Sunday morning, nearly 15 hours after the structure's stairs collapsed, resulting in a fatal accident.
Sequence of Events
The incident began on Saturday afternoon in Belasad Tappa Tharouli village of Navgarh tehsil, near Kanshiram Awas Colony. Five children climbed the dilapidated water tank, reportedly to record a video, when the stairs suddenly gave way. Three of them fell: Siddharth, 13, died on the spot, while Golu, 14, and Sunny, 11, sustained injuries and were admitted to Madhav Prasad Tripathi Medical College. The other two teenagers, Pawan, 17, and Kallu, 17, remained trapped on top of the tank after the ladder broke. The tank, built for household water supply, had reportedly been unused for several years due to its poor condition.
Rescue Efforts
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the incident and directed officials to ensure a safe and prompt rescue. District administration, police, and disaster response teams reached the site and attempted to bring the stranded teenagers down. However, the tank's height, broken stairs, and waterlogging in the surrounding area—which made the ground swampy and unsuitable for heavy machinery—hampered efforts. A hydraulic ladder vehicle was also brought in from Gorakhpur, but attempts continued through the night without success.
With ground efforts failing, District Magistrate Shivsharanappa GN sought assistance from the Indian Air Force through the state relief commissioner's office. "After road access failed due to marshy ground and poor weather conditions, we activated an alternative plan and coordinated through the chief minister's office to secure an IAF helicopter from Gorakhpur. The rescue operation was carried out successfully around 5.30 am, and both the boys were airlifted safely," the DM said. He added that throughout the 16-hour operation, drones were used to supply the stranded children with water and snacks. "I thank the CM for timely coordination that made the helicopter available. The children are healthy and went for a routine medical checkup before returning home," he said.
IAF Helicopter Deployment
An IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter from Central Air Command, Prayagraj, was deployed following the request. The helicopter reached the site early Sunday morning and carried out an aerial rescue operation around 5.15 am, safely bringing both stranded teenagers down. "On a request from state government authorities, an IAF Mi 17 V5 of Central Air Command (CAC) was deployed to rescue two stranded children, who were stuck on top of a water tank in Siddharth Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The children were stranded in the night as the ladder of the water tank was damaged," the CAC posted on X.
Police have sent the body of the deceased child for post-mortem examination.
