Three rescued after chairlift cable snaps midair in Astore

GILGIT: Three people were successfully rescued on Thursday after the supporting cable of a chairlift broke midway in Astore district of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Astore Superintendent of Police (SP) Naik Alam, who personally supervised the operation, told HUM News English that the passengers were travelling from the Loos area of Astore to the district headquarters when the incident occurred.

“They became stranded midair after one of the lift’s pulling cables broke,” he added.

The chairlift spans approximately 2.8 kilometres and hangs about 300 feet above the ground.

Astore Rescue 1122 spokesperson Wazir Asad Ali said three labourers were returning from Loos to the district headquarters when the cable snapped, leaving them trapped inside the chairlift cabin.

He said the chairlift was privately run locals were using it for transportation.

As soon as the information was received, the Rescue 1122 Astore team rushed to the site and immediately launched an operation.

Using modern equipment and strict safety measures, the rescue team successfully retrieved all those stranded in the lift.

“Alhamdulillah, all passengers were rescued safely, and no loss of life was reported,” the spokesperson added.

Cable cars and rickety rope bridges are commonly used in the mountainous regions, offering the quickest means of travel between neighbouring villages separated by deep ravines and valleys.

In June 2023, eight individuals, including six children and two teachers, were trapped in a chairlift in the Allai tehsil of Battagram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A 12-hour-long operation was carried out jointly by the local administration, military, and residents, after which all eight passengers stranded in the chairlift, dangling 274 metres (900 feet) above a ravine, were safely rescued.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar later honoured the courageous commandos, armed forces personnel, and local residents with commendation certificates for their role in the rescue.

At a commemoration ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister lauded their efforts, praising the exceptional skill and bravery that ensured the mission’s successful conclusion.