Rescue teams have been deployed in temple town of Pavagadh in Gujarat’s Panchmahals district after a cargo ropeway trolley collapsed at the Shakti Peeth. The tragedy occurred when a trolley, used for transporting construction materials, malfunctioned and crashed while descending.
Panchmahals Superintendent of Police, Dr Harsh Dudhaat, confirmed the casualties and said police and fire brigade teams were immediately dispatched for rescue and relief operations.
Minister Rushikesh Patel said, “According to the reports I have received, there were two ropeways to go up Pavagadh — one for goods and materials, and another for passengers visiting the temple. The goods ropeway car near Tower Number 1 experienced a wire failure, causing it to fall. The six labourers aboard the goods ropeway also fell and lost their lives. All bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem…”
Panchmahals Collector Ajay Dahiya said the victims included two lift operators, two labourers, and two other individuals who were accompanying the trolley at the time of the incident.
“The impact of the fall occurred near the base point, close to the first tower of the cable,” Dahiya said. Local officials, however, were unable to confirm the exact height from which the trolley fell.
The main passenger ropeway, which carries pilgrims to the temple, had been closed to the public since the morning due to adverse weather conditions, he added.
The Pavagadh Hill temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is a known pilgrimage site and attracts approximately 2.5 million visitors annually. The temple is located at an altitude of about 800 metres. Pilgrims typically either trek up nearly 2,000 steps or use cable cars to reach the summit.
Panchmahals authorities are also investigating the exact cause of the accident and to assess whether any negligence is involved.
Also Read: Bridges Keep Falling: Gujarat’s Safety Rules Hollow Without Enforcement https://www.vibesofindia.com/bridges-keep-falling-gujarats-safety-rules-hollow-without-enforcement/
