One person has been killed and seven others injured after a pylon supporting cable cars collapsed outside the Turkish resort city of Antalya. The incident occurred on Friday, casting a shadow over the Eid al-Fitr holiday celebrations.
The deceased has been identified as 54-year-old Turkish man Memiş Gümüş, while the injured include six Turkish citizens and one Kyrgyz national. The tragic event unfolded at the Tunektepe cable car just outside Antalya, during a busy time for tourists and locals alike.
According to reports, the collapse caused one of the cabins in the cable car system to plunge into a rocky area. Images shared in Turkish media depict the battered car swaying precariously from dislodged cables, as emergency responders tend to the wounded.
Helicopters equipped with night vision capabilities were swiftly deployed to rescue 184 people who were left stranded in the cable car system’s cabins. Antalya Mayor Muhittin Böcek assured the public that specialized teams were on site and committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.
Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that the cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, emphasizing the sudden and unexpected nature of the incident. Rescue efforts involving over 160 first responders, including air crews and mountaineering teams, are ongoing.
In a statement on social media, Minister Yerlikaya expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He also acknowledged the swift response of emergency personnel and the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of those affected.
The cable car system, which transports tourists from Konyaalti Beach to a restaurant and viewing platform at the summit of the Tunektepe peak, is operated by Antalya Metropolitan Municipality. The incident comes as a stark reminder of the risks associated with such attractions, prompting authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the cause of the collapse.
As rescue operations continue into the night, the nation mourns the loss of life and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured.
