3 jawans hurt in freak copter rope mishap

In a freak incident, three jawans of the Indian Army had a lucky escape as they fell off a chopper during slithering operations being conducted as part of the rehearsal for Army Day on January 15.

A video showing the soldiers sliding down the rope from the chopper that slips off just as the third begins his descent has gone viral, but the Indian Army has issued a statement that all the soldiers suffered only minor injuries and are safe. An inquiry into the incident has also been ordered.

The incident occurred on January 9 midway during the drill at the Parade Ground in Delhi Cantt in the national capital after the slithering boom that was supposed to hold the rope broke off from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) during the drill.

Following the incident, the Army has suspended slithering operations involving ALH Dhruv till a probe is completed, the sources said.

"Material failure" appears to be the reason behind the incident, in which three personnel were injured, they said. ALH Dhruv is an indigenously developed helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The rehearsal was being held for the upcoming Army Day on January 15 that the Indian Army holds in the honour of Lieutenant General KM Kariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, since 1949.