8 fire teams, 50+ personnel in hours-long operation rescue ‘drunk’ man from high-tension tower in Maharashtra

PIMPRI-CHINCHWAD: In a high-stakes operation, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Fire Department rescued a man who had climbed a high-tension transmission tower in the Nigdi area on Monday night.

The several-hour-long operation involved eight fire teams and a specialised force of around 50–60 personnel. Officials said the man appeared to be in an inebriated state, making the rescue more challenging.

Fire officer Rushikesh Chipade, who led the operation, stated that the man was non-cooperative due to his condition. "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.



Describing the complexity of the rescue, the officer said a “dual operation” was carried out to ensure the man’s safety.

"To prevent him from falling, two of our men initially installed a safety line on the tower. They then climbed up and, using an aerial ladder platform, successfully secured him and brought him down to the ground," he added.

The man was immediately handed over to local police for medical examination and further legal proceedings.

As the incident unfolded, crowds gathered in the Nigdi area, but fire officials ensured the perimeter remained secure.

Authorities are now investigating how he managed to scale the restricted structure.

(With agency inputs)