Chhattisgarh reels from a gruesome ropeway incident at Khallari Temple, where a cable rupture doomed a trolley of Navratri visitors. One fatality and 16 injuries mark the toll from the Sunday morning catastrophe at this venerated site in Mahasamund.
Crowds thronged the temple for blessings when, at 10 AM, disaster hit during descent. The holding cable failed suddenly, likely from overload or wear, propelling the trolley into a fatal drop and flip. Ayushi Satkar, 28, from Raipur, was killed outright; 16 survivors, including four critically hurt, were evacuated—some to Raipur.
The shrine crowns a steep hill 25 km from Mahasamund, demanding an 800-stair ascent sans ropeway. Navratri and annual melas swell visitor numbers, tying into ancient lore of Pandava sojourns. This breakdown exposes glaring safety gaps in such setups.
Frantic scenes followed: wails, rushed aid from arriving teams. The ropeway stands idle as probes probe lapses. Locals voice long-held concerns over maintenance, urging systemic overhauls.
Beyond immediate grief, the event spotlights pilgrimage infrastructure perils amid festivals. With investigations underway, Chhattisgarh pledges corrective action, ensuring safer journeys for devotees drawn to Khallari’s divine call.
