KUALA LUMPUR – One died and at least 10 people were injured after a pylon supporting the Sarisu-Tunektepe cable cars collapsed just outside the Turkish resort city of Antalya.
According to rescue services, 43 people remained stranded in mid-air nearly 24 hours after the incident occurred.
So far, 128 passengers have been rescued from 16 cable cars as seven helicopters and more than 500 personnel attempt to rescue the rest.
Turkey’s Justice Ministry has opened an investigation into the cause of the accident.
State media Anadolu identified the deceased as a 54-year-old Turkish man. Among the injured were six Turkish citizens and one Kyrgyz national, including two children.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra confirmed that no Malaysians were involved in the cable car accident and said it will continue to closely monitor developments.
“The Embassy of Malaysia in Ankara is actively coordinating efforts with local authorities to obtain further information,” it said in a statement today.
The cable car, run by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality since 2017, carries tourists from Konyaalti beach to a restaurant and viewing platform at the summit of the 618m-high Tunektepe peak.
According to its website, each of the 36 cabins has a capacity of six people. Going uphill takes about nine minutes. – April 13, 2024