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Key Points

A tragic accident occurred at Gujarat's Pavagadh temple when a construction ropeway snapped mid-air. The trolley was transporting building materials and kitchen supplies for the temple's renovation project. Six people lost their lives in the incident while four others were injured. Authorities have launched an investigation into potential safety lapses and suspended the public ropeway service as a precaution.

Key Points: Pavagadh Temple Ropeway Accident Kills 6 in Gujarat Construction Mishap

  • Ropeway trolley carrying construction materials snapped mid-air at 800m height
  • Victims were transporting kitchen items for temple's community kitchen
  • Rescue teams cordoned area and shifted bodies to Halol Hospital
  • Public cable car service was suspended due to weather conditions
2 min read

Six killed as construction ropeway snaps at Pavagadh temple site in Gujarat

Six dead as construction ropeway snaps at Gujarat's Pavagadh temple during renovation work. Rescue operations underway as officials order safety probe.

"The wire of the ropeway carrying goods has been snapped. - Government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel"

Gandhinagar, Sep 6

At least six persons were killed and four others injured after a ropeway trolley carrying construction materials for the ongoing renovation work at the famous Pavagadh temple in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district snapped mid-air on Saturday, officials said.

According to officials, the trolley was being used to transport building materials and kitchen items for the temple’s Annakshetra (community kitchen) when the supporting cable broke, sending it crashing down the hillside.

Panchmahal Deputy Superintendent of Police Dr Hareshbhai Dudhat confirmed the fatalities and said the bodies have been shifted to Halol Referral Hospital.

District Collector, local MLAs, and senior police officers rushed to the site soon after the news of the mishap broke.

Rescue and relief operations were carried out by police and fire brigade teams, who cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents.

The tragedy occurred at the revered Shaktipeeth on Pavagadh hill, a popular pilgrimage destination where large-scale renovation and construction works are currently underway.

Standing at a height of about 800 metres, the temple typically draws thousands of devotees who either climb nearly 2,000 steps or take a cable car to the summit.

Officials clarified that the public ropeway service had been suspended earlier in the day due to inclement weather.

The accident involved only the trolley meant for transporting materials, not pilgrims.

An inquiry has been ordered into the incident to determine whether safety lapses in the ropeway’s construction-use system led to the cable snap.

Government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel said, “There were two ropeways – one for carrying goods and the other for passengers. The wire of the ropeway carrying goods has been snapped.”

He said the Collector has formed a committee to probe the incident. “We will wait for the primary report on the basis of which the government will decide the next step of the action.”

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is so heartbreaking! Safety standards at religious construction sites need to be stricter. Just because it's for a temple doesn't mean we can compromise on worker safety.
M
Michael C
I visited Pavagadh last year. The terrain is extremely steep and challenging. Regular maintenance and safety checks for all equipment should be mandatory, especially at such heights.
A
Aditya G
At least the passenger ropeway was suspended due to weather. Could have been much worse if devotees were involved. But still, six lives lost is six too many. Proper investigation needed.
S
Sneha F
Om Shanti to the departed souls. The government must ensure proper compensation for the families and strict action against those responsible for negligence.
K
Karthik V
Construction safety in India needs a complete overhaul. We hear about such accidents too often. Hope the committee's findings lead to real changes, not just another report.
N
Nisha Z
These workers are the real devotees, serving the temple with their hard work. Their lives matter as much as any pilgrim's. Hope the investigation is thorough and transparent.

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