IAF Helicopter Rescues Children Stranded on Gorakhpur Water Tank

GORAKHPUR, May 3, 2026 — The Indian Air Force successfully conducted a late-night rescue operation in Sidharth Nagar to save two children trapped atop a massive water tank.

Following an urgent request from Uttar Pradesh state authorities, a Mi 17 V5 helicopter from the Central Air Command was deployed to the scene. The children had become stranded high above the ground after the ladder used to access the tank sustained significant damage, making a ground-based rescue impossible under the cover of darkness.

The specialized flight crew managed to navigate the technical challenges of the structure to safely retrieve both individuals. This mission highlighted the rapid response capabilities and technical proficiency of the air force during domestic emergencies.

Local officials confirmed that the children were unharmed during the ordeal. The successful extraction serves as another example of the military’s ongoing commitment to civil assistance and life-saving operations within the region.