Six Killed in Gujarat as Cargo Ropeway Cable Snaps at Pavagadh Temple
Six people, including two lift operators and four labourers, were killed after the cable of a cargo ropeway snapped at Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat's Panchmahal district. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. as the trolley was descending the hill, which is famous for the Mahakalika Temple. According to officials, the main ropeway for pilgrims had already been shut for two days due to inclement weather. An investigation into the cause of the accident has been initiated by the district administration.
Unpacked:
The passenger ropeway transports pilgrims and is operated by Usha Breco Limited, while the cargo ropeway is meant only for transporting goods and renovation material. Workers sometimes used the cargo ropeway as a shortcut, which was not its intended purpose.
Yes, in January 2003, a hauling rope of the Pavagadh passenger ropeway snapped, resulting in three cable cars falling and seven deaths. This recent tragedy is not the first ropeway accident at the site.
Questions have been raised about whether regular maintenance checks were done, if the trolley was overloaded, and why workers were allowed to use the cargo ropeway for transport. The district administration has ordered a full inquiry into operational and safety lapses.
The victims included two lift operators, two labourers, and two others. Among them, two were from Jammu and Kashmir, one from Rajasthan, and three were local workers from Gujarat.