A family was trapped for over three hours in midair due to a crane malfunction at a sky-dining restaurant in Anachal, Kerala, on March 15, 2024. Mohammed Safwan, 31, his wife Thoufeena, 25, and their two children found themselves stranded 150 feet above ground while enjoying their lunch at an attraction operated by Southern Skies Aerodynamics. The incident began around 13:30 local time, raising immediate safety concerns.
Rescue teams from the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services quickly mobilized. They placed a net beneath the crane’s elevated platform to ensure safety as they brought the children down first, followed by their parents. The operation concluded around 16:30, successfully bringing all diners and restaurant staff, including worker Haripriya, back to solid ground.
Despite the incident, Southern Skies Aerodynamics maintained that staff were adequately trained to handle emergencies and denied any panic during the situation. However, reports indicated that the restaurant’s management failed to contact emergency services during the ordeal, which raised questions about their emergency protocols.
The malfunction was attributed to a fault in the crane’s hydraulic system. Furthermore, it was revealed that the restaurant had been operating without the required civic license, prompting local authorities to announce a strict review of safety regulations. A tourism board insider informed the Indo-Asian News Service that a thorough technical inspection and safety assessment would follow.
The family, which included a two-year-old boy, had traveled to Idukki to experience the area’s renowned hillsides. The sky-dining restaurant is part of a broader tourism initiative designed to attract thrill-seekers with unique experiences. Following this incident, local administration officials emphasized the need for improved safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This incident highlights the potential risks associated with adventure tourism and the importance of stringent safety protocols. Authorities are now under pressure to ensure that such attractions adhere to legal and safety requirements to protect visitors.
