Rescue Effort Underway for Cable Car Passengers Dangling Over Pakistani Valley

A group of six children and two adults are currently suspended inside a cable car, hanging precariously over a deep valley in a remote, mountainous part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. The cable car was in use by schoolchildren to cross the valley when a cable snapped midway through the journey, leaving the passengers stranded at a height of up to 1,200 feet (365 meters).

The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 am local time, and the passengers have been suspended in the air for over four hours. The stranded group sent out distress calls through local mosque loudspeakers, alerting officials across the valley. Residents and local authorities quickly realized the urgency of the situation due to the dangerous location of the cable car.

Efforts to rescue the passengers were initially hindered due to the remote and challenging location. However, a Pakistan Army helicopter has now arrived at the scene, attempting to execute a daring rescue operation. Images shown on local television captured the military helicopter hovering near the cable car.

Zulfiqar Khan, an official with Pakistan’s 1122 rescue service, highlighted the difficulties of the situation, stating, “The cable car is stuck in a place where it is almost impossible to help without a helicopter.”

Cable cars are commonly used in this region to connect remote villages and towns located in the midst of the stunning mountains. The National Disaster Management Agency reported that six children and two adults were on board the cable car at a height of at least 900 feet.

Local officials have called for additional assistance, including a helicopter, to aid in the rescue operation due to the challenging terrain. The incident underscores the risks and challenges associated with providing transportation and essential services in remote and mountainous areas.