Tragedy at Pavagadh temple: Ropeway trolley breaks, 6 killed, 4 injured
Gandhinagar (The Uttam Hindu): A horrific accident took place at Pavagadh temple in Gujarat on Saturday. A ropeway trolley carrying construction material for the renovation work of the temple broke down in mid-air, killing at least six people and injuring four others.
According to officials, the accident occurred when the ropeway trolley was being used to carry construction material and kitchen items for the temple's annakshetra (community kitchen). The cable supporting the trolley suddenly snapped and the trolley fell down the hill.
Panchmahal Deputy Superintendent of Police Dr. Hareshbhai Dudhat confirmed that six people were killed in the accident. He said that all the bodies have been sent to Halol Referral Hospital. As soon as the news of the incident was received, the District Collector, local MLA and senior police officers immediately reached the spot.
Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and immediately launched a rescue operation and cordoned off the area to prevent any further mishap. The tragic incident took place at the Pujya Shaktipeeth on Pavagadh hill, which is a popular pilgrimage site. Large-scale renovation and construction work is underway here.
Pavagadh temple, which is located at an altitude of about 800 meters, is visited by thousands of devotees. To reach here, devotees either climb 2,000 stairs or use a cable car. Officials clarified that at the time of the accident, the public ropeway service for passengers was already suspended due to bad weather. An inquiry has been ordered after this incident. The purpose of the investigation is to find out whether there was any safety lapse in the construction-use system of the ropeway.
Government official Rishikesh Patel said, "There were two ropeways. One for carrying goods and the other for passengers. The wire of the ropeway carrying goods broke." He also said that the collector has formed a committee to investigate the incident. He said, "We will wait for the primary report, based on which the government will decide on further action."