Six persons died after the cable wire of a cargo ropeway snapped at Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district on Saturday. The incident occurred at around 3 pm when a trolley carrying construction material for the ropeway in Pavagadh broke down, Panchmahal DSP Dr. Harsh Dudhaat said.

The Pavagadh Hill is famous for the Mahakalika Temple at the summit. Superintendent of Police Haresh Dudhat confirmed the six deaths and said police and fire brigade teams were present at the spot for rescue and relief operations.

“The deceased comprise two lift operators, two labourers and two others. The impact of the fall was near the base point where the first tower of the cable is located,” Panchmahal Collector Ajay Dahiya said.

The temple is located at a height of around 800 metres, where pilgrims reach either after climb some 2000 steps or using cable cars.

The deceased include two lift operators.

‘All bodies recovered’

Speaking over the tragedy, Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel said that there were two ropeways in Pavagadh, one for carrying goods and the other for carrying passengers.

“In one of these, the supporting wire of the ropeway for goods broke due to some reason, leading to an accident. The bogie fell, and six labourers who were riding in the goods ropeway also fell and lost their lives. Bodies have been recovered. A committee has now been formed by the Collector to prepare a preliminary report,” he said.

“The committee includes an electrical engineer and officials from other departments. The report will be submitted to the state government once it is prepared. And further steps will be decided by the state government,” the minister added.