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UP: Boy dies after water tank stairs collapse; 2 rescued by IAF chopper
Five children climbed a defunct water tank near Kashiram Housing in Siddharthnagar. The staircase collapsed, killing one child and leaving two others critically injured; two children remained stranded on top. An Indian Air Force helicopter rescued the two stranded children early on May 3, 2026.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores safety risks of aging, unsafe infrastructure and the vulnerability of children, and demonstrates a rapid aerial rescue response by the IAF.
Timeline
3 Events
Aerial assistance sought and helicopter requisitioned
May 3, 2026
District Magistrate Shivasharanappa GN said that after consultations with the Chief Minister's Office and Relief Commissioner Dr Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod, the IAF helicopter was requisitioned from Gorakhpur to airlift the two stranded children.
Two children rescued from tank by IAF helicopter
May 3, 2026
Two children stranded atop the tank were rescued early on May 3, 2026, by an Indian Air Force helicopter requisitioned from Gorakhpur. The rescue took around 15 minutes and occurred at about 5:20 am. The rescued children were brought down safely and taken to Gorakhpur for treatment.
Incident at defunct water tank near Kashiram Housing: five children climb; staircase collapses
May 2, 2026
On May 2, 2026, five children climbed the defunct water tank near Kashiram Housing in Siddharthnagar. While descending, the staircase collapsed, causing three children (Golu, Sunny, Siddharth) to fall from the structure. The other two children, Pavan and Shaban, remained stranded atop the tank. The three who fell were rushed to a medical college; Siddharth died on arrival, while Golu and Sunny were in critical condition and referred to Gorakhpur for treatment. The tank, built about 30 years ago, had been declared unsafe, and despite restrictions, children reportedly climbed it to make social media reels.