Eight People Rescued After Chairlift Cable Snaps in Battagram

August 22, 2023 – Battagram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Eight people, including six school children, were rescued on Tuesday after a chairlift cable snapped in Battagram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The incident occurred at around 7:00 AM local time, when the chairlift was carrying the passengers up to a school located in a mountainous area. Two of the wires on the cable snapped, causing the chairlift to come to a halt mid-air.

The passengers were stranded at an altitude of around 2,000 meters (6,600 feet). They were rescued by a military helicopter, which was dispatched to the scene by the Pakistani government.

The rescued passengers included six children, one teacher, and one parent. They were all unharmed.

The cause of the cable snap is under investigation. However, officials believe that it may have been due to a technical fault.

The incident has highlighted the need for safety measures to be taken on chairlifts in Pakistan. The government has ordered a safety audit of all chairlifts in the country.

In a statement, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, expressed his relief at the safe rescue of the passengers. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

“I am grateful to the rescue teams for their swift action,” the Prime Minister said. “I also want to assure the people of Pakistan that the government will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our citizens.”

The incident has also drawn attention to the challenges faced by students in remote areas of Pakistan. Many schools in these areas are located in mountainous areas, and students often have to travel long distances to get to school. The chairlift was a lifeline for these students, as it allowed them to travel safely and quickly.

The rescue operation is a reminder of the importance of safety measures on chairlifts and other modes of transportation. It is also a reminder of the challenges faced by students in remote areas of Pakistan.