Chhattisgarh Ropeway Collapse: 1 Dead, 17 Injured During Navratri

A tragic ropeway accident occurred at the Khallari Mata Temple in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district on Sunday, March 22, 2026, during the peak Navratri festival rush. The incident, which involved the snapping of a ropeway cable, led to the death of one woman and left 17 other devotees injured. The ropeway is a critical mode of transport for pilgrims visiting the temple, which is situated on a hilltop approximately 3,000 feet above ground. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the ropeway cabin lost stability and fell. Officials confirmed that the accident happened around 10 a.m. when the trolley was descending from the temple. The deceased has been identified as Ayushi Satkar, a 28-year-old woman from Raipur. Among the injured were her husband, Rishabh Dhavre (29), and a minor relative, Chhayansh Dhavre (16), along with others including Govind Swami (47), Namita Swami (48), Kushmita Swami (10), and Manshvi Godaria (12). The injured were initially treated at a local hospital, with five individuals, including those in critical condition, being referred to Raipur for advanced medical care. Another trolley, carrying eight passengers, was ascending at the time of the incident and experienced a severe jolt, though no major injuries were reported from that trolley. However, four people at the base station reportedly suffered mental distress after witnessing the accident. The ropeway system, which has been operational for approximately five years, typically carries a significant number of devotees, especially during religious festivals like Navratri. Devotees have the option to climb nearly 900-1100 steps to reach the shrine, but the ropeway is a preferred mode of transport for many. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his deep grief and condolences over the incident, describing it as "extremely tragic and painful." He has ordered a thorough investigation into the accident to determine its cause. Authorities are examining potential technical glitches or maintenance lapses. The district administration has initiated a probe, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at religious tourist sites, particularly during periods of high footfall. The area around the ropeway has been cordoned off pending safety inspections, and maintenance records are being scrutinized. While initial reports mentioned varying numbers of injured (ranging from six to seventeen), the consensus from multiple sources indicates a death and significant injuries. The specific height from which the trolley fell is reported to be between 200 to 300 feet, though the temple's elevation is around 1,100 feet, and it sits atop a hill approximately 3,000 feet high. The exact cause of the cable snapping remains under investigation. This incident highlights the critical need for regular and rigorous safety audits of such transportation systems, especially in popular pilgrimage destinations in India. The investigation aims to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of devotees. The news was widely reported by Indian media outlets, including India Today, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, ABP Live, Republic World, Mint, Deccan Chronicle, and The Indian Express, all corroborating the core facts of the incident. The published date consistently points to March 22, 2026. The ropeway accident at Khallari Mata Temple serves as a somber reminder of the potential risks associated with public transport infrastructure in tourist and religious areas, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety standards and oversight.

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