Deogarh Mishap: IAF successfully rescues 35 stranded persons

New Delhi, Apr 13: The Indian Air Force (IAF), in close coordination with NDRF, local administration and Army, today completed the rescue of 35 stranded persons from the Trikut Hills Ropeway Service, in the Deoghar district of Jharkhand.

IAF has reportedly utilized two Mi-17V5, one Mi-17, one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and one Cheetah to fly more than 26 hours towards this effort. Having inducted in the early hours on Apr 11, IAF carried out an initial recce for preparations towards an operation which presented unique challenges. The contingent included five Garud commandos of the IAF.

Also read: Jharkhand cable car disaster: Over 40 hours on, 3 still stuck; 3 dead

The helicopter crew was faced with challenges where they had to maintain a steady hover, with practically no visual reference, in conditions of strong winds in the hilly terrain. The crew went from one trolley to the next to carry out their task, which was as risky for the crew as it was for the survivors of the mishap.

The operation, spread over two days, also saw two unfortunate incidents wherein, despite best efforts, the survivors could not be rescued safely due to the inherently difficult nature of the rescue operation.

Also read: 2 dead, 40 stranded midair after ropeway trollies collision in Jharkhand; rescue ops underway