Cuttack: Eight people were rescued safely after getting stranded mid-air at a height of 50 feet as a joyride at Baji Jatra in Cuttack malfunctioned last night.
Sources said the incident occurred at around 11 pm, creating chaos among the visitors. Fire Service teams deployed at the fair immediately rushed to the spot, installed sufficient tower lights, and a hydraulic platform was mobilised from Abhinav Bidanasi (CDA) Fire Station.
Despite the challenges of managing the weight of the platform and joyride compartment, rescuers, including DFO Prakash Jena, Firefighter Lipuna Muduli, and a technician, safely brought everyone down in about 90 minutes, said Chief Fire Officer Ramesh Chandra Majhi.
Cuttack DCP and his team also supported the team, ensuring the success of the operation.
Meanwhile, the ferris wheel owner attributed the incident to a technical glitch.
The incident was reported on the day when Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced extension of the historic Bali Jatra by one more day, allowing the fair to continue till Thursday.
On Wednesday, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also attended the valedictory ceremony of the fair. He reached the Silver City Boat Club at 4 pm and proceeded to Gadagadia ghat, where he witnessed the final boat race of the event. He later visited the dahibara haat, Pallishree Mela, and the experience zone, and interacted with traders and artisans.