Challenging Rescue Mission Underway for the Cable Car Incident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan to Save Six Children and Two Adults

Pakistan Cable Car Rescue Operation to Save Trapped Children and Adults

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In a heart-stopping incident in Pakistan’s north-western region, a military-led rescue operation is currently underway to save six children and two adults trapped in a cable car suspended precariously over a ravine. The group, en route to school, found themselves stranded when one of the cables snapped, leaving the car dangling a daunting 274 meters (900 feet) above the ground. The incident unfolded at approximately 07:00 local time on Tuesday in the Allai valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

📹Six children and two adults were suspended inside a cable car dangling over a deep Pakistani valley, as a military helicopter hovered nearby for their rescue.

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As the drama unfolds, helicopters have reached the scene, battling gusty winds that have complicated the already intricate rescue mission. The rescue’s status remains uncertain as brave efforts persist to bring the trapped passengers to safety. The stranded group endured more than four hours before the arrival of the first helicopter, as local media outlet Dawn reported.

Gulfaraz, one of the individuals trapped in the cable car, made a desperate plea for help via a phone call to Pakistan’s Geo News. He confirmed the presence of eight people on board, including students aged between 10 and 15 years. Urgency intensified as one student became unconscious during the ordeal. Onlookers from both sides of the valley gathered, watching anxiously as authorities strategized.

The operation is further challenged by unpredictable winds that raise concerns over destabilizing the cable car with the helicopter’s rotor blades. Helicopters have made multiple attempts, with one returning from a reconnaissance mission, and another being prepared for dispatch.

As details emerge, it’s revealed that this perilous mode of transport is resorted to daily by approximately 150 people due to the lack of viable alternatives in the area. The cable car system, privately owned by locals, serves as a vital lifeline for residents navigating the remote, mountainous terrain.

Pakistan’s acting Prime Minister, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, has taken to social media to express his concern and direct authorities to ensure the safety of privately-operated chairlifts. This incident shines a light on the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and better infrastructure in these challenging regions.

The resilient efforts of rescue teams, the unwavering solidarity of the community, and the relentless pursuit of safety underscore the gravity of the situation. As the world watches, hopes are pinned on a successful conclusion to this daring rescue mission that highlights the fragility and fortitude of human life amidst nature’s challenges.