The Indian Air Force, in close coordination with the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration, rescued 35 stranded persons from the Trikut Hills Ropeway Service in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district.
The rescue opertation that started on 11 April went on for over 24 hours and concluded on 12 April.
An accident took place near the Trikut Hills when cable cars collided on 10 April, leading to a complete halt of operations.
Having inducted in the early hours on 11 April, IAF carried out an initial recce for preparations towards an operation which presented unique challenges.
The IAF deployed two Mi-17V5, one Mi-17, one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and one Cheetah to fly more than 26 hours towards this rescue effort.
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, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
“The IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives of these two individuals and expresses its deepest condolences to their families,” it added.
After the operation, the IAF said that it is committed to provide “support, succour and relief” to fellow countrymen “always and every time”.
