Six people dead as cargo ropeway wire snaps at Pavagadh Hill temple in Gujarat | Watch

The incident occurred while the ropeway was being used to transport construction material. Panchmahal DSP Dr. Harsh Dudhaat confirmed the casualties.

Six people were killed on Saturday when a cargo ropeway at Pavagadh Hill in Panchmahal district snapped and crashed, officials said. The incident occurred around 3 pm at the hill, which houses the renowned Mahakalika Temple at its summit.

Panchmahal Collector Ajay Dahiya said the ropeway, which was being used to transport construction material, was going downhill with six persons onboard when the accident occurred. “The deceased comprise two lift operators, two labourers and two others. The impact of the fall was near the base point where the first tower of the cable is located,” he said.

According to Panchmahal Deputy Superintendent of Police Dr. Harsh Dudhaat, the incident occurred while construction work was underway at the site. Further details on the cause of the breakdown are awaited.

Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel said to news agency ANI, "In Pavagadh, one ropeway is for passengers and the other is to transport goods. According to primary information, near tower no. 1, the wire of a bogie carrying six labourers broke, and the entire bogie fell down. The six labourers who were riding it died.All their bodies have been recovered, and it has also been sent for post-mortem. The Collector has set up a committee, and a primary report will be submitted to the government. Accordingly, the next steps will be."

#WATCH | Panchmahal, Gujarat | Relief work is underway in Pavagadh, where 6 people lost their lives after a ropeway broke down earlier today https://t.co/0rEUpnnATDpic.twitter.com/0cujBPhX4N

— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2025

The Mahakalika Temple sits at a height of about 800 metres, with pilgrims typically climbing 2,000 steps or taking a cable car to reach the shrine. However, local officials said they were not certain about the height from which the cargo ropeway fell.

Dahiya also noted that the main passenger ropeway for devotees had been shut for the past two days due to inclement weather. Rising from Champaner in three stages, Pavagadh Hill stands at an altitude of 1,471 feet and attracts around 2.5 million visitors annually.