Man climbs electricity pole in Rawalpindi

Incident caught on camera goes viral online; police yet to ascertain cause

RAWALPINDI:

A 33-year-old man was seen dangling from live electric wires after climbing a utility pole in Rawalpindi's Pirwadhai area.

As Rescue 1122 and police officials arrived at the scene to conduct a rescue operation, a bystander, disregarding safety protocols, also climbed the pole in an attempt to assist. The incident was captured on video and posted online.

According to a spokesperson for the police, the incident occurred in Zia Colony, where the man, appearing disadvantaged, suddenly climbed the pole.

Residents immediately alerted Rescue 1122, and Pirwadhai police also reached the scene. Footage of the incident shows the man hanging from the wires, while another individual, in plain clothes, climbed up without any safety measures, despite the presence of professional rescuers.

A crowd gathered at the scene, but before the official rescue operation could begin, the man fell from the wires.

Miraculously, he survived, though the exact moment of his fall was not captured on camera.

The identity of the man remains unknown, and questions are being raised about the bystander's intervention despite the presence of authorities.

Police confirmed the incident, stating that Rescue 1122 had sought police assistance, but the operation was primarily handled by the rescue team. They further clarified that they do not have the authority to take action in cases of attempted suicide.

Meanwhile, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said police assistance is sought in such situations to maintain order and keep the public away from the scene.