Gujarat disaster: Ropeway crash kills 6, rescue teams searches for trapped victims

A devastating incident at the revered Shakti Peeth temple in Pavagadh, Gujarat, turned a day of pilgrimage into tragedy on Saturday as a cargo ropeway collapsed, killing six people and injuring several others, plunging the region into mourning. The accident, reported around late afternoon today, occurred when the overloaded ropeway, used to transport goods up the hill to the Kalika Mata Temple, gave way, sending its load and passengers crashing down the steep slope. Among the victims were two women and a child, with rescue teams racing against time to reach the remote site as news spread, leaving devotees and locals in disbelief.

The collapse has raised urgent questions about safety standards at one of Gujarat’s most sacred sites.The ropeway, a critical link for pilgrims and vendors hauling supplies to the temple atop Pavagadh Hill, was carrying an excess load when the cables snapped, according to initial reports from local authorities. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud snap followed by screams as the structure plummeted, with debris scattering across the hillside. The site, popular for its historical and religious significance, attracts thousands annually, but this incident has exposed potential neglect in maintenance and overloading practices. Rescue operations, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police, are ongoing, with fears that the death toll could rise as more trapped individuals are located.For the families of the victims, the loss is heart-wrenching, with one survivor recounting how his wife and young daughter were among those caught in the fall.

The community, already gathered for weekend prayers, turned to grief and anger, with some blaming the temple administration for failing to enforce safety protocols. The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, where medical teams are working to stabilize them, but the remote location has slowed response efforts. The incident echoes past accidents at pilgrimage sites, fueling demands for a thorough investigation into the ropeway’s condition and the management’s oversight.Authorities have cordoned off the area, halting all ropeway operations as they assess the damage and investigate the cause of the collapse. Preliminary findings suggest that the ropeway, operational for over a decade, may have suffered from wear and tear, compounded by the added weight of cargo beyond its capacity. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed condolences and announced compensation for the victims’ families, promising a high-level probe to prevent future tragedies. However, locals remain skeptical, citing previous warnings about the aging infrastructure that went unheeded.The Shakti Peeth, a key spiritual center with its ancient Kalika Mata Temple, now stands marred by this disaster, with pilgrims canceling visits and authorities urging caution.

The collapse has disrupted the flow of devotees, many of whom rely on the ropeway to navigate the steep 820-meter climb. Social media is abuzz with condolences and calls for accountability, with some questioning whether profit motives led to neglecting safety checks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks at overcrowded religious sites, especially during peak seasons.As rescue efforts continue into the evening, the focus shifts to supporting the affected families and ensuring the site’s safety before reopening. The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about the need for modernizing infrastructure at pilgrimage destinations across India, where millions flock annually. With the investigation underway, the people of Pavagadh and beyond hope for answers and justice, while the hilltop temple, once a symbol of faith, now bears the weight of a somber loss.