Gujarat: 6 killed as ropeway trolley crashes at Pavagadh Hill temple

Six people were killed on Saturday afternoon after a cargo ropeway trolley collapsed at the Shaktipeeth site on Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district, police said.

The trolley, used to carry construction materials, fell from the fourth tower around 3:30 pm after its cables snapped.

“The deceased includes three residents, two from Kashmir, and one from Rajasthan. We are investigating the exact cause of the incident,” Inspector General of Police (Godhra-Panchmahal range) Ravindra Asari told Hindustan Times.

Panchmahal DSP Harsh Dudhaat also confirmed the deaths, telling ANI, “Six people died after a trolley carrying construction material for the ropeway in Pavagadh broke down.”

Police have identified the victims and sent the bodies for postmortem. An officer said, “Annaji alias Bhairavlal Ratilal Jat from Gitawas in Rajasthan, who worked at a hotel; Mohammed Anwar Mahmad Sharifkhan and Balvantsingh Dhaniram, both residents of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, were employed as ropeway operators; Dilipsinh Narvatsingh Koli was deployed as temple security; Hiteshbhai Hasmukhbhai Baria, working at the temple’s food service facility; and Sureshbhai Rayjibhai Koli, a flower trader.”

Officials said the passenger ropeway to the Kalika Mata Temple had been suspended due to bad weather, but the goods ropeway remained in use for ongoing construction.

The district administration has ordered an inquiry into the accident. “Officials are examining whether the trolley was carrying material beyond its load capacity and if there were lapses in routine checks,” an official said.

Built in 1986, the Pavagadh ropeway is a mono-cable gondola system that ferries pilgrims from the base station to near the Kalika Mata Temple, located within the UNESCO-listed Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. Construction work was underway to upgrade facilities and improve amenities for visitors.