PIMPRI-CHINCHWAD: A man who scaled a 132 kV high-tension power transmission tower in the Nigdi area of Pimpri-Chinchwad was safely rescued after a prolonged and intricate operation by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Fire Department on Monday night. The incident, which drew a large crowd and caused significant traffic disruption, necessitated a complete shutdown of the power supply to the transmission line as a safety precaution.
The rescue operation, which commenced around 9:15 PM, involved multiple fire teams and a specialized force of approximately 50 to 60 personnel. According to Fire Officer Rushikesh Chipade, who led the operation, the individual appeared to be in an inebriated state and was largely unresponsive to attempts at communication, making the rescue particularly challenging. “The person who climbed the tower appeared to be drunk. He was in no condition to speak or follow instructions, so we couldn’t rely on his cooperation. He had to be forcibly brought down,” Chipade told ANI.
To ensure the man’s safety and prevent any potential fall, the fire brigade implemented a dual operation strategy. Two members of the fire team initially secured a safety line on the tower before ascending. Utilizing an aerial ladder platform, they were able to safely secure the individual and bring him down to the ground. The entire operation lasted for several hours.
Following his rescue, the man was immediately handed over to the local Nigdi police for further medical examination and subsequent legal proceedings. Authorities are reportedly investigating the circumstances that led the man to climb the restricted high-tension structure. The presence of a large number of onlookers, estimated to be over 5,000 people, at the scene added to the complexity of managing the situation, with police working to maintain a secure perimeter.
The incident caused substantial traffic congestion in the Nigdi area, affecting commuters from Bhakti-Shakti Chowk to Triveni Nagar, as police closed off roads to manage the crowds and facilitate the rescue efforts. Details regarding the man’s identity and his motives for climbing the tower are still being ascertained by the police.
This is not the first time that individuals have climbed high-tension towers in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad region, often citing grievances or other personal reasons. In past incidents, authorities have had to undertake similar complex rescue operations, highlighting the persistent challenges posed by unauthorized access to critical infrastructure.
The Chenab Times News Desk