Cable Car Tragedy Strikes Southern Turkey, One Dead and Several Injured

Sunday, April 14, 2024

A devastating cable car crash in southern Turkey has left one person dead and several others injured, triggering a large-scale rescue and investigation effort.

A tragic incident occurred in southern Turkey when a cable car cabin crashed after striking a damaged pole, resulting in one fatality and ten injuries. The accident took place near Antalya on Friday evening when a support pylon gave way, causing passengers to fall to the ground.

Following the incident, the entire cable car system was shut down as rescue teams worked to help those left in the cabins. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the mishap, according to the justice ministry.

The disaster and emergency management agency in Turkey reported that 128 individuals were saved from 16 cable cars on Friday night in the Konyaaltı area of Antalya. However, by Saturday morning, 43 passengers were still trapped.

To aid in the rescue efforts, seven helicopters and over 500 personnel, including expert climbers, were dispatched to the site on Saturday, as reported by the Turkish interior ministry on social media.

Operated by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, the cable car transports tourists from Konyaalti beach to a dining and lookout area at the top of the 618-meter (2027 feet) high Tunektepe peak. The facility’s website notes that the cable car includes 36 cabins, each able to hold six passengers, and it typically takes about nine minutes to reach the summit, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Antalya.

« Back to Page

• Ajloun’s cable car boosts eco-tourism prospects in Jordan