UPDATE - 128 stranded midair rescued after cable car accident in southern Türkiye

UPDATES WITH CHANGES IN HEADLINE AND LEDE, ADDS DETAILS AND QUOTES

By Aykut Karadag

ANKARA (AA) Authorities have successfully rescued at least 128 stranded people after a cable car accident that left one dead and seven others wounded in the southern Turkish province of Antalya, a Turkish official announced on Saturday.

"The evacuation of 128 citizens stranded in 16 cabins was carried out under difficult conditions. Currently, the evacuation of 43 people in 8 cabins is ongoing,” said Okay Memis, president of AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) operating under the Turkish Interior Ministry.

"The area (operation) is being supported by a combined effort including AFAD, gendarmerie, police, military, UMKE, NGOs, and fire brigade, totaling 543 search and rescue personnel. Additionally, resources include 7 helicopters, 1 military cargo aircraft, 108 vehicles, 6 ambulances, and drones,” Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on X.

Four helicopters under the Coast Guard Command played an active role in the rescue operation, he added.

Memis also stated that professional teams with special equipment are reaching cabins from the ground and conducting rescue operations using ropes.

"There are problems with flights due to the wind. Nevertheless, we can say that we are making a very strong intervention. We hope to complete the operation before it gets dark,” he added.

In Antalya's Konyaalti district, a tragic incident occurred on Friday when a collapsing pole collided with a cable car, causing one fatality and injuring seven others, including two children.

Disaster response teams rushed to the scene to rescue survivors, prompting the temporary suspension of cable car operations, leaving many stranded.

Firefighters conducted operations to rescue those trapped in cable cars suspended above the ground.

The cause of the accident remains unknown so far.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi