KEY POINTS

  • The horrific accident took place Sunday afternoon in the eastern state of Jharkhand
  • More than 40 people were rescued following the incident
  • Rescue operation was difficult as trolleys were suspended at heights of up to 1,500 feet

A cable car accident in India has claimed the lives of three people, including one who died after falling during a chopper rescue.

More than 40 hours after the collision, three people remain stranded in three carriages mid-air, local media reported early Tuesday.

The horrific accident took place Sunday afternoon in the eastern state of Jharkhand's Deoghar district. More than 40 people were rescued in an operation involving two Air Force helicopters and dozens of officials, NDTV reported.

Along with the Indian Air Force and the Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were helping with the operations.

A woman, identified as Sumant Devi from Sarath in Deoghar, died in the collision.

“A pulley of one of the trollies got stuck resulting in the incident,” Deoghar Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri tweeted. “Personnel of Indo-Tibetian Border Police, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) reached the spot in the morning for rescue work. One person died in the incident and one who sustained serious injuries is being treated... We are doing continuous announcements so that the people stranded won’t panic.”

The rescue operation was difficult as the trolleys were suspended at heights of up to 1,500 feet, authorities said, adding the area was in a dense forest surrounded by hills.

Water and food were being provided to the trapped people with the help of drones, officials said.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced a high-level probe into the accident, according to Telegraph India. State tourism minister Hafizul Hassa also said the government would investigate the incident.

“The ropeway was being operated by a Calcutta-based private firm (Damodar Ropeways and Infra Limited). We will investigate why the maintenance of the ropeways was not done as per the terms and conditions mentioned in the contract."

Jharkhand governor Ramesh Bais also reacted to the accident, saying: "The accident on the ropeway built on Trikut mountain of Deoghar, a world-famous religious place, is very sad and painful. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray to Baba Baidyanath for the speedy recovery of the injured."

The cable car can carry up to 5,000 people an hour between six stations, according to the mayor's office
The cable car can carry up to 5,000 people an hour between six stations, according to the mayor's office AFP / PEDRO PARDO
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