A family became stranded midair for three hours due to a crane malfunction at a sky-dining restaurant in Anachal, Kerala. The incident occurred on Friday, when Mohammed Safwan, 31, his wife Thoufeena, 25, and their two children were dining approximately 150 feet above ground. The family was enjoying their meal at the restaurant operated by Southern Skies Aerodynamics when the crane experienced a technical failure at around 1.30 PM.
As the family found themselves suspended, rescuers swiftly implemented a plan to bring them to safety. They placed a net beneath the crane’s elevated platform and successfully lowered the children first, followed by their parents. By 4.30 PM, all diners and restaurant staff, including a worker named Haripriya, were safely back on solid ground.
The technical fault was identified as an issue with the crane’s hydraulic system. Notably, reports indicate that the restaurant was operating without the necessary civic licence. Despite the chaos, Southern Skies Aerodynamics insisted that their staff were trained to manage emergencies and denied claims of panic during the incident.
Witnesses described the tense atmosphere as the family scaled down ropes to reach safety. The restaurant is a part of a larger tourism initiative in Idukki, which aims to attract thrill-seekers with futuristic dining experiences amid the region’s famous hillsides.
Following this incident, a source from the local tourism board stated that a thorough technical inspection and safety assessment would be conducted. The local administration has emphasized the need for stricter safety regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This event underscores the importance of safety measures in high-risk attractions, especially those designed for family enjoyment.
