A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday morning when a ropeway trolley carrying pilgrims crashed to the ground near the Khallari Mata Temple in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district. The accident occurred during the ongoing Navratri festival, when thousands of devotees had gathered at the temple.
What was meant to be a spiritual visit quickly turned into chaos and panic as the trolley lost control and fell while returning from the hilltop shrine. The incident took place around 10:00 am, according to reports.
As many as 30 people were injured in the crash after the cable snapped while the trolley was in motion. One woman died in the accident, while the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The ropeway is commonly used by elderly devotees, as climbing the stairs to the temple is difficult. However, due to the heavy rush during Navratri, the system was reportedly operating at high capacity, which may have contributed to the mishap.
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One killed, multiple injured
As per reports, authorities confirmed that one woman lost her life, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity. Panic spread among devotees present at the temple and the base station as the accident occurred.
Eyewitnesses said the trolley suddenly went out of control while descending, creating chaos at both ends of the ropeway. Emergency services were immediately deployed, and rescue operations were carried out as families and locals rushed to the site.
Cable snapped, probe underway
Preliminary findings suggest that the ropeway cable snapped after the trolley had completed its trip from the temple. Officials have ordered a technical investigation to determine the exact cause of the failure and whether any safety lapses were involved.
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The Chhattisgarh government has expressed grief over the incident and assured that all injured devotees will receive proper medical care. Authorities have also promised a detailed probe and steps to prevent such accidents in the future.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of ropeway systems at crowded religious sites, especially during peak festival periods like Navratri. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the celebrations, leaving devotees shaken.
