A tragic incident unfolded in southern Turkey on Friday when a cable car ferrying passengers in a mountainous area broke apart after colliding with part of the metal structure supporting it. The horrifying accident sent eight terrified occupants plummeting to the rocky hillside below, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries.
Nearly 200 more individuals were left stranded in other cabins, some for as long as 19 hours, as rescuers worked tirelessly to free them from the crippled line. Helicopters, cranes, and hundreds of rescuers were deployed to the area to evacuate a total of 184 people, including children, local residents, and foreign tourists.
The cable cars, which normally transport passengers to a high point on a steep, tree-covered mountain offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area, experienced the tragic incident around 6 p.m. local time. A pole from the system broke off, striking one of the cabins and causing the passengers inside to fall to the ground when the floor suddenly gave way.
Images from the scene showed the broken car hanging above the ground, with its windows shattered and its floor missing. Rescuers worked diligently to evacuate the trapped occupants, using cranes, climbing helmets, and metal baskets to bring them to safety.
As the rescue operation continued overnight and into Saturday morning, 137 people were successfully evacuated, with officials aiming to conclude the operation before dark. However, the challenging terrain and volatile air flow posed difficulties for the rescue efforts.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident to determine the cause and any liability. The cable car line, which opened in 2017 and underwent regular maintenance, had all 24 cabins in operation at the time of the crash.
The tragic incident has left the community in shock and mourning, with many questioning how such a devastating event could have occurred on a popular tourist attraction in the region.
