Turkey: Cable car collision in Antalya kills 1, injures 7 while over 40 still stranded
One individual was killed while seven others sustained injuries following a collision between a cable car cabin and a damaged pole, media reports said citing the interior ministry on Saturday (Apr 13). The incident took place in Antalya, Turkey when on Friday (Apr 12) at 5:23 pm local time, twenty-four cabins were left stranded mid-air due to the collision.
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A concerted rescue effort has been ongoing for hours, more than 40 individuals remained trapped in nine cabins suspended above the ground, as per the latest report on the incident. The rescue operation by now has resulted in the successfull evacuation of 128 people from the perilous situation.
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In reassuring statements at the site, Disaster and Emergency Management Authority chairman Okay Memis reportedly said that no one from those individuals who are still seeking help for their rescue from the cable car had critical injuries. He also assured that they are putting efforts to finish the rescue operation before sunset.
The incident took place during the busy Eid al-Fitr holiday, a time typically marked by joyous gatherings and celebrations.
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The interior ministry’s announcement on social media platform X detailed the extensive mobilisation of resources for the rescue, involving seven helicopters and over 500 rescue workers. A video released by the ministry also showed the courageous efforts of rescue personnel. They were seen ascending into the cabins using safety ropes.
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Director of the Turkish search and rescue agency AFAD, Okay Memis, said, “128 citizens in 16 pods have been rescued under difficult conditions.” “The rescue of 43 others in eight remaining pods is ongoing,” it added.
The cable car comprised 36 cabins, each accommodating six people. The journey uphill to the Tunektepe facility typically takes an average of nine minutes.
One person killed in cable car collision
One person who was killed during the collision was identified as a 54-year-old Turkish man. Reports said that he died after falling down from the pod as it hits a pole. The injured were identified as six Turkish citizens and one Kyrgyz national, including two children. hit
The Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an inquiry into the incident. A commission comprising mechanical and electrical engineers as well as health and safety experts, has been tasked with investigating the root cause of the incident.
(With inputs from agencies)
