Crane Glitch Strands Tourists in Munnar Sky Dining
A thrilling sky dining experience in Munnar, Kerala, has turned into a potential safety concern after a crane malfunction left four tourists stranded at a height of 120 feet. The family, hailing from Kannur district, was enjoying their meal when the crane developed a technical glitch, causing it to get stuck mid-air. Fortunately, the family, along with the staff from Southern Skies Aerodynamics, was safely rescued by local fire and safety officials.
The incident occurred around noon when the crane lifted the family for their sky dining experience. After the malfunction, the tourists remained stranded for approximately two hours, highlighting potential issues with safety protocols at such attractions. The crane, designed to lift up to 40 tonnes, can accommodate 16 people at a time, raising questions about the safety measures in place.
According to a staff member, there was no panic when the glitch occurred, as they were trained to handle emergencies. However, this incident revealed that the restaurant management did not immediately seek help from fire and rescue services, which could have expedited the rescue process. Instead, it was local residents who alerted the authorities, resulting in units from Munnar and Adimali being dispatched.
The Adimali police station officer noted that the management also failed to inform the police about the situation, which raises concerns about communication protocols during emergencies. Thankfully, the trapped family was brought down safely using a rappelling system, which allowed them to descend via a rope fastened to the top.
This sky dining facility opened just last November and quickly gained popularity among tourists seeking unique dining experiences. However, this incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety measures in tourist attractions, especially those involving heights. As the tourism industry continues to grow in India, ensuring the safety of visitors must remain a top priority for operators.
