Bhubaneswar: A potentially fatal accident was averted on Wednesday when a 57-year-old woman was dramatically rescued from a 35-foot-deep well by Odisha’s Fire Service first responders in Babandha village, under Rasol Police Station limits in Dhenkanal district.
According to an official press release, the incident occurred around 6:00 AM, when Saraswati Rout, wife of Harekrushna Rout, accidentally fell into a narrow open well near her home while performing her daily chores. With little room to move, growing panic, and the danger of suffocation, her life hung in the balance as villagers rushed to alert emergency services.
Responding swiftly, a team from the Hindol Road Fire Station arrived within minutes and launched a high-risk rescue operation. The rescue team, led by Prakash Chandra Nayak, Manoj Kumar Sahoo, Sunil Nayak, Jitendra Kumar Bhutia, Subash Pradhan, and Pintu Guru, demonstrated exceptional technical skill and coordination to bring the trapped woman back to safety.
Navigating the confined space with ropes and rescue gear, the firemen worked against time and terrain to reach Saraswati Rout. After a tense effort, she was successfully pulled out of the well, conscious and responsive. First aid was administered on-site, and her condition is now reported to be stable.
The rescue was met with emotional scenes from local villagers who had gathered anxiously, erupting into applause and relief as Saraswati Rout was lifted out. Their spontaneous cheers echoed the bravery and professionalism of Odisha’s fire personnel, whose readiness saved a life.
The Odisha Fire & Emergency Services department has commended the team for their prompt and courageous action. The department also urged community leaders and residents to take precautions around open wells and water sources, emphasizing the need for protective barriers and signage to prevent future mishaps.
This incident once again highlights the critical role of trained first responders and the everyday heroism of the fire service in safeguarding lives across the state.
