RAIPUR: A woman died and 16 others sustained injuries after ropeway trolley crashed at the Khallari Mata temple in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday. The accident occurred around 10 am during the Navratri festival when a cable snapped while the trolley was descending from the hilltop shrine.According to district administration officials, 17 people were onboard the two trolleys—nine in the lower compartment and eight in the upper one—when the mechanism failed. The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Ayushi Sathkar, a resident of Raipur. Local police and temple authorities launched an immediate rescue operation to evacuate the stranded and injured devotees. The victims were shifted to the district hospital in Mahasamund, while some with severe injuries were referred to Dr BR Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur. The injured individuals include residents from Raipur and Mahasamund. Among those from Raipur are Ratanlal Nageshwar (65), Hemin Nageshwar (62), Hemlal Nageshwar (38), Kunti Nageshwar (35), Purvi Nageshwar (7), Tiya (3), and Amlesh (30), all residents of Tikrapara. Other injured Raipur residents include Kumesh Sahu (42), Tomeshwari Sahu (38), and Harsh Sahu (9) from Daldal Seoni, as well as Rishabh Dhaware (29) and Chhayansh Dhaware (16) from Raja Talab. Victims from Mahasamund include Mansi Gadariya (13) of Adarsh Nagar, and Namita Swami (48), Ankushmita Swami (10), and Govind Swami (47) from Swami Chowk. The local administration has initiated a probe to determine the cause of the cable snap. Preliminary reports suggest a mechanical failure in the ropeway system, which witnesses a heavy rush of pilgrims during the Navratri period. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the incident and directed district officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. The Chief Minister has also ordered a high-level investigation into the mishap, stating that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of negligence. “The news of the accident at Khallari Mata Temple is deeply distressing. I pray for the departed soul and extend my condolences to the bereaved family,” the Chief Minister said in a statement. He further asked the administration to provide all necessary assistance to the victims’ families.
