Srinagar, May 25 (JKNS): Tourists were reportedly stranded mid-air on Monday after a major technical fault caused the entire Gulmarg Gondola system to come to a sudden halt, triggering panic among passengers trapped inside the cabins.
Official sources told news agency JKNS that all gondola cabins stopped functioning mid-air following the technical malfunction, leaving hundreds of tourists suspended for a considerable period.
They said that fear and panic gripped the stranded passengers, with several tourists crying and seeking immediate rescue.
Soon after the incident, a large-scale rescue operation was launched by personnel of Army’s 9 Raj Rif unit, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army Hawaas Camp and other concerned agencies.
Officials said the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Tangmarg and Tehsildar Tangmarg also reached the spot and are personally monitoring the rescue and evacuation process.
An official said that, “rescue teams from Srinagar have also been deputed.”
Technical teams were simultaneously assessing the fault while rescue personnel worked to safely evacuate the stranded tourists from the suspended cabins.
Further details regarding the exact cause of the malfunction and restoration of services were awaited when the last reports came in. (JKNS)
