In a daring rescue operation, authorities in Pakistan successfully saved eight individuals, including six children, who were trapped in a chairlift hanging 900 feet above a ravine near Battagram city, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The ordeal lasted for approximately 14 hours, during which the stranded passengers received provisions through a helicopter. Despite high winds impeding the air rescue, determined efforts led to the safe retrieval of all individuals involved.
The chairlift incident occurred when one of the cables snapped while the group was en route to school. The passengers found themselves suspended in mid-air, waiting for help. Urgent appeals were made to authorities by Gulfaraz, a 20-year-old passenger who reported that both cables had broken. He expressed concern for a 16-year-old passenger with a heart condition who had been unconscious for hours. Fortunately, troops launched a rescue operation involving army helicopters, showcasing their expertise and bravery.
Video footage captured the helicopter hovering above the chairlift as a commando descended via ropes to provide food and water to the stranded passengers. In a display of courage and resourcefulness, rescuers used the remaining working cable as a zipline to extract three children. Another heart-stopping moment unfolded as a child was seen hanging from a rope attached to a helicopter as it flew to safety.
The mountainous location of the school necessitates the use of chairlifts as there are no safe crossings. Ali Asghar Khan, the headmaster of the government high school Battangi Pashto, emphasized this common mode of transport in the area. Consequently, Pakistan’s caretaker prime minister, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, directed the authorities to conduct safety inspections on all private chairlifts to ensure their safe operation in the future.
After the successful conclusion of the rescue process, the country’s interior minister, Sarfraz Bugti, expressed his gratitude to Allah and commended the armed forces, administration, and locals for their selflessness and determination in carrying out this complex operation. The collaborative effort between multiple agencies and volunteers exemplifies the resilience and unity of the Pakistani community.
The safe rescue of all individuals involved serves as a testament to the dedication, coordination, and skilled execution that took place. The authorities, rescue departments, district administration, military, and local people all contributed to this remarkable achievement. As Pakistan seeks to improve safety measures for chairlifts, the successful outcome of this operation will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for enhanced precautions and comprehensive inspections.
