A 57-year-old man had a miraculous escape on Thursday morning after slipping from the window of his 10th-floor apartment in Surat and getting stuck in a metal grill on the 8th floor, preventing a fatal fall.
Accident at Jahangirabad high-rise
The incident occurred around 8 am at the Time Galaxy-A residential building in the Jahangirabad area. The man, identified as Nitin Adiya, was reportedly sleeping near the window of his flat on the 10th floor when he accidentally slipped out.
As he fell, his leg became lodged between the window grille and an outer projection of an apartment on the 8th floor, leaving him dangling several floors above the ground.
Residents raise alarm
Residents were jolted by the man’s screams and rushed to their balconies and corridors after spotting him hanging outside the building. Several people immediately alerted the Surat Fire and Emergency Services, prompting a swift response.
Firefighters reached the spot within minutes and began planning a carefully coordinated rescue, given the risk involved.
Risky rescue operation
One team accessed the 8th floor and cut open the window grille to reach the trapped man. Simultaneously, another team worked from the 10th floor, using ropes and safety belts to secure him and prevent any sudden movement.
The operation lasted nearly an hour, during which anxious residents watched in silence as firefighters worked with precision. Eventually, the teams managed to pull Adiya to safety.
Hospitalised with leg fracture
After the rescue, Adiya was shifted to a nearby hospital. Doctors said he was conscious on admission and had suffered a fracture in his leg. His condition was stated to be stable.
Fire officials said the presence of the metal grille proved crucial in preventing a fatal fall and credited the coordinated effort of their teams for the successful rescue.