KOCHI: A heroic effort by the fire force to save a cat stuck on a metro pillar for two days was successful. The cat was stuck on top of Metro Pillar 711 near KPCC Junction on MG Road, Ernakulam.

On Saturday, after hearing the cat's cries, the fire force team from Club Road came to the spot but could not save the cat. After there were no cries, people thought that the animal might have escaped.

But around 7 pm, the staff of a private institution in Kadavanthra heard the cry from the top of the metro pillar and saw the cat. After being informed by them, the fire force team came back at 7.45 pm. But they did not have the equipment to climb the 40 feet high pillar.

Finally the metro authorities were informed. They arranged a crane which reached the spot at 9pm. Firefighters Pushpalal and Manuprasad was on the crane. After blocking vehicles, about five fire rescue personnel stood waiting with nets to catch the cat if it jumps down.

The cat got scared and moved to the other side of the pillar. Firefighters on the other side tried to follow the cat. Meanwhile, the cat climbed between the pillars. When the officers were finally within reach, the cat jumped down. The fire rescue personnel threw a net, but the cat fell into the mud on the median of the road and escaped through the back of a nearby jewelry store.

A few days ago, a cat climbed onto the metro pole in Vyttila too. The cat was rescued after three hours of effort.

Under the leadership of Club Road Fire Station Assistant Station Officer PK Gopalakrishnan, officers Ubhas, Pushpalal, Suraj, Akhil, Manuprasad and Unni conducted the rescue operation. Animal lovers from different places also came to the place.