BATTAGRAM: A highly-trained team of army has begun efforts to rescue the teachers and schoolchildren stranded mid-air on a chairlift in Allai Pashto area of Battagram district.   

Reports said two teachers and six schoolchildren were stranded mid-air when one of the two cables snapped during the course of travel around 7am. As the word got round, there was panic in the area but no immediate measure could be taken. 

After a couple of hours, the authorities realised the gravity of the situation and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar took notice of the incident and ordered prompt action to rescue the stranded people. 

Meanwhile, army sprang into action and sent a team of the Special Services Group which launched the sling operation. The commandoes were sent from Peshawar.

Another helicopter joined the rescue operation according to media reports.

The KP chief minister also directed the authorities concerned to utilise all availabe resources to rescue the teachers and schoolchildren.

Those in the know of the efforts being undertaken to rescue the stranded people said it was a "unique operation" and had to be carried out with a great deal of caution as the helicopter had to be carefully taken to the place to avoid unnecessary air pressure near the chairlift. 

They said the rescue operation could take time and any hasty decision could prove counter-productive as it involved human lives. 

Earlier, the district emergency officer said a team of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had been sent for rescue activities. He said it's almost impossible to rescue the victims without a helicopter. 

A Rescue 1122 spokesman, Bilal Faizi, said it would take up to two and a half hours to reach the place. 

Prime Minister's tweet 

Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar directed the departments concerned to rescue the stranded people.

The prime minister in his X post said the chairlift accident in Battagram, KP was really alarming. "I have directed the NDMA, PDMA and district authorities to urgently ensure safe rescue and evacuation of the 8 people stuck in the chairlift." 

"I have also directed the authorities to conduct safety inspections of all such private chairlifts and ensure that they are safe to operate and use."