Army Day celebrated in Lucknow
The 76th Army Day was celebrated in the chilly morning hours here on Monday, for the first time out of Delhi.
In a freak accident, three army soldiers fell from a chopper after the rope they were using to slither down snapped. All the injured personnel are recovering in hospital, Army said.
According to reports, the “slithering operation” was part of the ‘Army Day’ rehearsals taking place in Army’s parade ground in the national capital.
The incident took place on Tuesday and involved an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv. The Army has suspended slithering operations involving the chopper till a probe is completed, sources said.
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A video that has gone viral on social media shows a total of four soldiers sliding down the chopper as part of the slithering operation using a rope which is attached to the aircraft.
The first paratrooper completes the drill safely and is seen walking away from the chopper.
Just as the second trooper is about to touch base while the third has reached midway, the fourth soldier begins to descent and suddenly the rope gives way as the three troopers come crashing down to the ground.
Watch here:
As per reports, the metal winch to which the rope was connected had fatigue cracks and finally broke.
The ‘Army Day’ is held on January 15 every year in honour of Lieutenant General KM Kariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
ALH Dhruv is an indigenously developed helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
(With inputs from agencies)
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