Panchmahal (Gujarat), September 6 — Six people were killed on Saturday after a cargo ropeway wire snapped at Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district. The incident occurred around 3 pm near the renowned Mahakalika Temple, a major pilgrimage site atop the hill.
Superintendent of Police Haresh Dudhat confirmed the deaths and said rescue and relief operations were immediately launched by police and fire brigade teams.
Panchmahal Collector Ajay Dahiya said the ropeway, meant to carry goods, was descending with six persons aboard when it suddenly crashed. “The deceased include two lift operators, two labourers, and two others. The fall occurred near the base point close to the first tower of the cable,” Dahiya added.
Officials noted that while the hill rises nearly 800 metres, they were not certain about the exact height from which the ropeway fell. The main ropeway used by pilgrims has been closed for the past two days due to bad weather.
Pavagadh Hill, part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, stands at 1,471 feet and is home to the Mahakalika Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The shrine attracts nearly 2.5 million devotees annually, many of whom climb about 2,000 steps or take the public ropeway to reach the summit.
Authorities have begun an inquiry into the accident.
