NEW DELHI: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 V5 helicopter from the Central Air Command (CAC) was deployed to rescue two children stranded atop a water tank in Sidharth Nagar, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. This incident occurred after five children climbed the tank to film a social media reel, leading to the collapse of the access stairs and the tragic death of one child.
According to CAC, “On a request from state government authorities, an IAF Mi-17 V5 was dispatched to rescue the two children who were trapped on the water tank overnight due to a damaged ladder. The successful rescue operation reflects the IAF’s professionalism and commitment to saving lives in critical situations.” The CAC also shared videos of the rescue on social media platform X.
District Magistrate Shivsharanappa provided further details to ANI, stating that three children fell when the structure collapsed, and that medical attention was being provided to two of them. “The incident occurred when five children climbed onto a water tank to record a reel, and when the stairs broke, three of them fell. One child died, and two are receiving treatment at the medical college,” he noted.
Shivsharanappa explained that coordinating the rescue operation required teamwork between the fire department and the IAF, particularly due to challenging terrain and poor road access. “A fire engine from Gorakhpur was initially called to assist. However, due to muddy soil and inadequate road conditions, we consulted with an Air Force officer in Gorakhpur as part of our Plan B. They deployed a helicopter around 5 AM and successfully rescued the two children, who were then returned safely to their parents,” he stated. He also expressed gratitude toward the Chief Minister’s office for facilitating coordination that led to the swift operation.
Officials confirmed that the rescued children are currently under medical supervision, and additional details are pending.
