Chhattisgarh Ropeway Tragedy: Woman Killed, Six Injured After Trolley Falls 300 Feet in Mahasamund

A woman lost her life, and six others were injured after a ropeway trolley crashed while descending from a hilltop temple in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district on Sunday. The incident took place shortly after 10 am when the cable of the trolley snapped, causing it to fall from a height of around 200 to 300 feet, officials said. Bagbahra Sub-Divisional Magistrate Namita Markole confirmed that seven passengers were onboard, although initial reports suggested eight. The ropeway is widely used by devotees to reach near the temple, which is situated at an elevation of about 1,100 feet, while many also climb nearly 900 steps.

The victims had arrived to offer prayers at the Khallari Mata temple in Khallari (Bhimkhoj) village of Bagbahra tehsil during the ongoing nine-day Navratri festival. The deceased was identified as 28-year-old Ayushi Satkar from Raipur, who died on the spot. The injured include her husband Rishabh Dhavre, minor relative Chhayansh Dhavre, Govind Swami, Namita Swami, and two children, Kushmita Swami and Manshvi Godaria. All were rushed to a nearby hospital, and four were later referred to Raipur for advanced treatment. Another trolley carrying around 10 passengers was immediately brought back safely after experiencing a strong jolt, with no serious injuries reported.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep grief over the tragic incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family. He stated that instructions were immediately issued to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He also assured that a detailed inquiry would be conducted and that those found responsible would face strict action. The Chief Minister further prayed to Khallari Mata for the speedy recovery of the injured devotees. In a similar incident last year, a BJP leader was injured when a ropeway trolley crashed from a low height near the Bamleshwari Devi hill shrine in Rajnandgaon district.