A leisurely high-altitude dining experience turned into a terrifying ordeal when a crane malfunction left four diners suspended 120ft above the ground.
The drama unfolded on Friday in Anachal near Munnar, Kerala, when a sky-dining platform – seating 15 and lifted by a crane – turned into a high-altitude nightmare.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after the hydraulic system of the recently launched sky-dining platform suddenly failed, leaving the seating structure frozen mid-air shortly after 12:45pm.
Terrifying footage from the scene shows a firefighter climbing the stalled platform on ropes, carefully securing each person with safety harnesses.
Senior Fire and Rescue Officer Rakesh told Newslions that a delay in the distress call meant the operation took around four hours in total, though the actual rescue took just 30 minutes once crews arrived.
Among those rescued were Mohammed Safwan,31, his wife Thaufina, 26, their children Evan, six, and Inara, three, and Haripriya, 28, a staff member from the sky-dining attraction.
The drama unfolded on Friday in Anachal near Munnar, Kerala, when a sky-dining platform – seating 15 and lifted by a crane – turned into a high-altitude nightmare
Terrifying footage from the scene shows a firefighter climbing the stalled platform on ropes, carefully securing each person with safety harnesse
Firefighters from Adimali and Munnar, assisted by local police, worked under the supervision of Home Guard Anish from the Munnar station
The family, originally from Kannur but now living in Mangaluru, were reportedly enjoying the 30-minute aerial experience when the crane failed.
Firefighters from Adimali and Munnar, assisted by local police, worked under the supervision of Home Guard Anish from the Munnar station.
Officials said the crane malfunction was likely caused by a technical fault, possibly a fuse issue, which rendered the hydraulic system inoperable.
The operation concluded successfully around 4:30pm, with no injuries reported.
Authorities confirmed that safety compliance will now be examined, especially since such aerial attractions currently fall outside the state’s Adventure Tourism regulations.
