Ropeway mock drill goes awry, two killed

Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 20

Two persons were killed and four others injured during a mock drill at the Mahamaya ropeway project this evening.

The identity of the deceased was yet to be established though it was believed that they belonged to Uttar Pradesh.

Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, advisor to the Governor, has ordered a probe into the incident.

Initial reports said a team was conducting mock drill to rescue tourists in case of hostile weather at 6 pm. A team, comprising six members, was moving on the ropeway in a trolley which turned turtle mid-way, reports said, adding that all six members of the team fell into a deep gorge.

The reports said one person died on the spot, while the other succumbed to his injuries at the GMC, Jammu. SDPO Jammu (East) Vipan Chandra told The Tribune that the incident took place during a mock drill. It is too early to say anything, he added.

Meanwhile, Ganai, who rushed to the hospital after getting information about the incident, said it appeared that the incident was the result of a mechanical failure. “We will conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident,” he said, adding that a safety team had been constituted for this purpose.