Navratri Tragedy: 1killed, 17 Injured in Ropeway Fall in Chhattisgarh
A ropeway accident at Khallari Mata Temple during Navratri left one person dead and 17 injured, prompting a government probe.
MAHASAMUND ( CHHATTISGARH )- A ropeway accident at the Khallari Mata Temple in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh on March 22 left one person dead and 17 others injured, raising concerns over safety protocols at crowded religious sites during peak festival periods.
The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. when a trolley carrying devotees reportedly plunged after a cable snapped midway during descent from the hilltop shrine. The temple, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet, witnesses a significant influx of pilgrims during the Navratri festival.
Officials identified the deceased as a 28-year-old woman from Raipur. Among the injured were members of her family, including her husband and a teenage relative. The injured were initially treated at local facilities, with several referred to hospitals in Raipur for advanced care. At least one person is reported to be in critical condition.
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Emergency response teams, along with local authorities, reached the site shortly after the incident and carried out rescue and evacuation operations. The area saw heavy movement of pilgrims at the time, which added to the complexity of the rescue efforts.
The accident has brought attention to maintenance and safety oversight at the site. According to available information, the ropeway system had undergone maintenance between March 16 and 18 and resumed operations shortly before the incident.
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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the loss of life and termed the incident “extremely painful.” He has ordered a high-level inquiry into the accident and stated that strict action would be taken if negligence is established.
Authorities have suspended ropeway services at the temple until further notice as technical teams conduct a detailed inspection. The incident has also renewed focus on the need for stricter safety audits and monitoring mechanisms at high-traffic pilgrimage destinations, particularly during festivals.
