Cable car accident in Turkey sends 1 passenger to his death and injures 7, with scores stranded

The tragic incident that unfolded on Friday at the Tunektepe cable car near Antalya, Turkey, resulted in the loss of one life and left seven others injured. 

The cable car pod collided with a pole, causing it to rupture and passengers to fall to the mountainside below. 

Among the injured were two children, adding to the severity of the situation. The deceased was identified as a 54-year-old Turkish man, while six Turkish citizens and one Kyrgyz national sustained injuries, as reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency.

In the aftermath of the accident, a swift and extensive rescue operation was launched, involving over 160 first responders, including air crews from the Coast Guard and mountaineering teams from various regions of Turkey. 

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that five injured individuals were evacuated by helicopter, with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining two. 

Additionally, 184 passengers found themselves trapped in 25 other cable car pods suspended above the ground, as engineers worked tirelessly to restart the system.

Despite rescue efforts, 135 individuals remained stranded close to midnight, highlighting the challenging nature of the operation. 

Images circulating in Turkish media depicted the battered cable car, swaying precariously from dislodged cables against the rocky mountainside, while medics attended to the wounded.

The timing of the incident was particularly poignant, occurring on the final day of a three-day public holiday in Turkey, marking the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. During this period, families typically flock to coastal resorts for leisure and celebration.

The Tunektepe cable car serves as a vital tourist attraction, transporting visitors from Konyaalti beach to a restaurant and viewing platform situated at the summit of the 618-meter Tunektepe peak. 

Operated by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, the cable car system plays a significant role in the region's tourism infrastructure.

In response to the tragedy, the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an investigation. 

An expert commission, comprising mechanical and electrical engineers, along with health and safety experts, was tasked with determining the root cause of the incident, ensuring accountability and prevention of future accidents.