A family enjoying a futuristic lunch high above the ground faced a three-hour ordeal after the crane supporting their 'sky-dining' platform malfunctioned, leaving them stranded 150 feet in the air.
The Mid-Air Ordeal
The incident occurred on Friday, November 29, 2025, at around 1:30 pm in Anachal, Kerala. Mohammed Safwan, 31, his wife Thoufeena, 25, and their two young children, including a two-year-old boy, were dining at an attraction operated by Southern Skies Aerodynamics when a technical fault with the crane's hydraulic system brought their meal to an abrupt and terrifying halt.
The Rescue Operation
Emergency services were notably not called by the restaurant's management. Instead, rescuers on site placed a safety net beneath the elevated platform. The family, who had travelled to the Idukki district to enjoy its famous hillsides, were then carefully brought down using ropes. The children were rescued first, followed by their parents. A restaurant worker, Haripriya, was also on the platform and was safely brought to the ground. All individuals were on firm ground by 4:30 pm.
Aftermath and Official Response
Southern Skies Aerodynamics denied any panic during the incident, insisting their staff were trained to handle such emergencies. However, an investigation revealed that the restaurant was operating without the required civic licence. The local administration has since stressed that safety regulations will be tightened. A tourism board insider confirmed that a full technical inspection and safety assessment will soon take place.
The elevated restaurant is part of a local tourism programme designed to offer thrill-seekers unique, futuristic attractions, but this incident has raised serious questions about operational oversight and emergency protocols.
