One child died and two others were injured after a group of five children climbed a water tank to record a social media reel and the staircase collapsed, officials said on Sunday, triggering a complex rescue operation involving the Indian Air Force.
According to district authorities, three children fell from the structure when the stairs gave way, while two others remained stranded atop the tank. The injured were rushed to a nearby medical college, where they are undergoing treatment.
District Magistrate Shivsharanappa said the incident occurred in Siddharthnagar district when the children climbed the tank to shoot a video.
“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.
With two children stuck at the top and access severely restricted due to muddy terrain and poor road connectivity, authorities initiated a rescue plan involving multiple agencies.
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The administration first attempted to deploy a fire engine from Gorakhpur, but difficult ground conditions hampered access. Subsequently, the district administration sought assistance from the Indian Air Force.
“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,” the District Magistrate said.
He added that the operation was carried out with close coordination between the state administration and the Air Force, with support from the Chief Minister’s Office enabling swift deployment.
The Indian Air Force’s Central Air Command confirmed that an Mi-17 V5 helicopter was deployed following a request from the state government.
In a post, the Air Force said the children had been stranded overnight after the access ladder to the tank was damaged. “The rescue mission displays the IAF's professionalism and commitment to save lives with a swift response in times of need,” it said.
Officials said the rescued children are now safe, while the injured continue to receive medical care. Further details are awaited.
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