A family found themselves suspended 150 feet in the air for three hours due to a crane malfunction at a sky-dining restaurant in Anachal, Kerala, on March 15, 2024. Mohammed Safwan, aged 31, his wife Thoufeena, 25, and their two children were enjoying a meal when the incident occurred at approximately 13:30 local time.
The restaurant, operated by Southern Skies Aerodynamics, offers a unique dining experience above the picturesque hills of Idukki. However, the family’s adventure turned into a distressing situation when the crane’s hydraulic system failed, leaving them stranded mid-air. Rescuers quickly mobilized, positioning a net beneath the crane’s platform to safely lower the children first, followed by their parents. By 16:30, all diners and a restaurant worker identified as Haripriya were safely back on solid ground.
Southern Skies Aerodynamics has stated that their staff are trained for emergency situations and claimed there was no panic during the incident. However, it has been reported that management did not contact either the police or the fire service during the crisis. Local authorities have confirmed that the restaurant was operating without the necessary civic license, raising questions about safety protocols.
The family, including their two-year-old son, had traveled to the region to experience its renowned scenic beauty. The sky-dining restaurant is part of a tourism initiative aimed at attracting thrill-seekers with futuristic attractions. An insider from the tourism board informed the Indo-Asian News Service that a comprehensive technical inspection and safety assessment of the facility would be conducted shortly.
In response to the incident, local administration officials have emphasized that safety regulations will be reviewed and tightened to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This unfortunate event highlights the importance of rigorous safety measures in the adventure tourism sector, particularly in operations involving elevated experiences.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to scrutinize the operational practices of Southern Skies Aerodynamics and the overall safety standards in place at the restaurant. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with thrilling dining experiences, and the need for stringent oversight to ensure the well-being of patrons.
