Photo credit: X/@CAC_CPRO

NEW DELHI: An IAF Mi 17 V5 of Central Air Command (CAC) was deployed to rescue two stranded children, who were stuck on top of a water tank in Sidharth Nagar in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. This came as five children climbed a water tank to record a social media reel and the access stairs gave way, leaving one child dead.“On a request from state government authorities, an IAF Mi 17 V5 of Central Air Command (CAC) was deployed to rescue two stranded children, who were stuck on top of a water tank in Sidharth Nagar in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The children were stranded in the night as the ladder of the water tank was damaged. The rescue mission, yet again, displays the IAF’s professionalism and commitment to save lives with a swift response in times of need,” CAC IAF said in a post on X. It also shared videos of the rescue operation.District magistrate Shivsharanappa told ANI three children fell when the structure collapsed, while two others were left stranded on top of the tank.“An incident occurred when five children climbed atop a water tank to record a reel, and when the stairs broke, three of them fell from the water tank. One child died, and two others are being treated at the medical college,” he said.He added that rescue operations for the stranded children required coordination between the fire department and the Indian Air Force due to difficult terrain and poor road access.“For the rescue operation of the two children who were still atop the tank, we first called a fire engine from Gorakhpur. Because the soil was very muddy and the road wasn’t properly built, we consulted with the Air Force officer in Gorakhpur as part of Plan B. They dispatched a helicopter around 5 AM this morning, and the two children were safely rescued and sent to their parents’ home. We thank the Chief Minister’s office, whose coordination provided the Air Force and ensured the successful, quick operation,” Shivsharanappa said.Officials confirmed that the two safely rescued children are under medical care, while further details are awaited.