Luxury Dining Experience Becomes High-Altitude Nightmare
A relaxing sky dining adventure transformed into a terrifying ordeal for four diners when a crane malfunction left them suspended 120 feet above the ground in Kerala, India.
The incident occurred on Friday in Anachal near Munnar, where a recently launched aerial dining platform seating fifteen people became stuck mid-air due to a hydraulic system failure.
The Terrifying Ordeal Unfolds
Emergency services rushed to the scene after the platform's hydraulic system suddenly failed at approximately 12:45 pm, freezing the dining structure at a dizzying height.
Dramatic footage from the rescue operation shows a brave firefighter climbing the stalled platform using ropes, meticulously securing each stranded individual with safety harnesses to ensure their safe descent.
Among those rescued were Mohammed Safwan, 31, his wife Thaufina, 26, and their two young children Evan, six, and Inara, three. The family, originally from Kannur but currently residing in Mangaluru, were reportedly enjoying what should have been a 30-minute aerial dining experience when disaster struck.
Rescue Operation Challenges
Senior Fire and Rescue Officer Rakesh revealed to Newslions that a delay in the distress call significantly extended the operation timeline. While the actual rescue mission took just 30 minutes once emergency crews arrived on site, the entire ordeal lasted approximately four hours.
Firefighters from both Adimali and Munnar worked alongside local police under the supervision of Home Guard Anish from the Munnar station. Haripriya, a 28-year-old staff member from the sky-dining attraction, was also successfully rescued during the operation.
Safety Investigations Launched
Officials investigating the incident indicated that the crane malfunction was likely caused by a technical fault, possibly involving a fuse issue, which rendered the entire hydraulic system inoperable.
The successful rescue operation concluded around 4:30 pm, with authorities confirming that no injuries were reported among the stranded diners or rescue personnel.
In the aftermath, authorities have confirmed that safety compliance will be thoroughly examined, particularly concerning the regulatory gap that places such aerial attractions outside existing state Adventure Tourism regulations.
