More than 40 people are currently stranded in cable cars high above a mountain in southern Turkey after a tragic accident on Friday. The incident at the Tunektepe cable car near Antalya occurred when one pod hit a pole, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to seven others.
The accident took place at 5:30 p.m. during the busy Eid al-Fitr holiday, leading to a swift response from rescuers. So far, 128 individuals have been successfully rescued, but 43 people remain stranded in the cable car pods.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams working tirelessly to safely evacuate the remaining individuals before dark. The challenging conditions are proving to be a hurdle for rescuers, who are determined to bring everyone to safety.
Among the casualties was a 54-year-old Turkish man who tragically lost his life in the accident. Additionally, seven others, including two children, sustained injuries and were rescued by Coast Guard helicopters.
The Tunektepe cable car line, which was completed in 2017, undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety. Following the incident, an investigation has been launched by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. An expert commission has been tasked with determining the cause of the accident to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the rescue efforts continue, thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragic event, and the focus remains on bringing all stranded individuals to safety. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story on Poh Diaries.
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