Srinagar: Following the tragic accident in Gulmarg Gondola today where the cable of the ropeway snapped following a tree fall due to strong winds, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has expressed grief and shock.
In the accident, a family of four hailing from Delhi was killed on the spot along with their tourist guide. Two others were also reported killed in the accident taking the death toll to seven.
Mufti, who was herself monitoring the rescue operations, announced ex gratia relief of Rs. Five lakh in favour of next of kin of the killed. She has also directed conducting of a high level inquiry to know of the causes or lapses, if any, that led to the accident.
The chief minister has also conveyed her grief and condolence to the families of the three local youth who were killed in the same accident.
As the news of the accident was received, team of high level officers led by the Divisional Commissioner and other officers supervised the rescue at the spot. The bodies of the deceased are being sent to their homes while as the injured have been shifted to hospital.
Rescue operations went on for over four hours to ensure all the tourists were secure.
Gulmarg is a famous tourist destination for skiing, and Gondola service of Gulmarg is hugely popular, drawing thousands of people in summer. The two-stage cable car lift ferries people to a height of 13,780 feet above the sea level. It is the world's second highest operating cable car project that can ferry 600 people in one hour.
