Moolamattom: The Fire Force rescued two young men from Muvattupuzha who became stranded in a forested area near the S-Bend in Vagamon on Friday evening.

Shyam (31) and Nikhil (23), of NGO Quarters, Mailadi, found themselves trapped deep inside the forest after unexpectedly losing their way in dense fog and darkness.

The pair had arrived in Vagamon on a two-wheeler at around 5.30 pm and parked their vehicle before setting off on foot to enjoy the scenery. They walked approximately half a kilometre along a narrow path and eventually climbed a large rock formation to take in the views.

However, as they reached the top, thick fog and darkness descended rapidly, severely reducing visibility. Disoriented and unable to find their way back, they realised they were stranded near a deep gorge, which heightened their fear.

Compounding the situation, one of their mobile phones ran out of battery and switched off. Alarmed and unable to navigate safely, they contacted the Moolamattom Fire Force for assistance.

Fire Force personnel responded immediately and rushed to the location. Initial attempts to reach the stranded men by phone were hampered by poor network coverage. Eventually, during brief periods of connectivity, rescuers were able to obtain a Google location from them.

Using torches and calling out through the forest, the rescue team searched the area for around 45 minutes before successfully locating the two men. Relieved to see the rescuers, the exhausted and frightened pair were escorted safely out of the forest and taken to the fire station.

A relative residing in Moolamattom was informed and later arrived to take them home.

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