Pakistan cable car drama: Special Services Group pulls off dramatic rescue of all trapped passengers
In a nail-biting drama that had the world holding its breath, all eight people—including children—were dramatically rescued from a perilous situation in Pakistan on Tuesday night. Left hanging 900 feet mid-air in a malfunctioning cable car, these trapped souls were finally saved after an hours-long, daring operation by Pakistan officials. According to reports, the cable line snapped, leaving passengers stranded in a chairlift dangling above the dangerous depths of the Jhangri River, encased by towering mountains and rocky terrain.
Earlier in the day, after rescuing four individuals, the Special Services Group (SSG) was forced to halt its helicopter operation due to light and weather issues. Undeterred, they initiated a high-stakes ground rescue mission. A small gondola was sent close to the affected cable car on the very same cable, and one by one, these brave souls were rescued. The gondola also doubled as a lifeline, delivering food and other essential items to the stranded passengers.
Dramatic Nighttime Rescue Saves All 8 Passengers Trapped 900 Feet Mid-Air in Pakistan Cable Car Mishap. Photo courtesy of Joe Green on Unsplash.
Gulfaraz, a 20-year-old who found himself in this harrowing ordeal, spoke to Pakistan’s Geo News. “There wasn’t even drinking water on board,” he revealed. Worse, a 16-year-old passenger with a heart condition lay unconscious for a nerve-wracking three hours. The situation was dire!
Before the armed forces swooped in for this high-risk operation, local authorities were paralyzed. Hindered by the region’s difficult terrain and limited resources, they couldn’t act. Helicopters from both the Pakistan Army Aviation and the Pakistan Air Force were earlier on-site but struggled due to conditions.
Interim Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar had issued an urgent directive for the immediate rescue of all individuals. “Use all available resources and enforce safety measures for cable cars in these risky, mountainous regions,” he mandated.
What makes this incident even more shocking is the revelation by Zafar Iqbal, a local school teacher. As per his report, around 150 students risk this treacherous cable car journey daily due to the absence of road infrastructure. The stakes are life-and-death, every single day!
In what can only be described as a miraculous turn of events, each and every person was safely rescued. The world exhaled as the final passenger was brought to safety, ending an ordeal that will be talked about for years to come. This intense rescue operation not only showcased the incredible bravery of Pakistan’s rescue teams but also raised critical questions about the safety measures in place for these cable car journeys. A night of sheer terror ended in jubilant relief, but the conversation has only just begun.