Several tourists and locals were trapped in a cable car after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday [1].
The incident highlights the vulnerability of transit infrastructure during high-magnitude seismic events in mountainous regions. The disaster caused widespread devastation, leaving hundreds of people dead or injured across the region.
The earthquake occurred on Aug. 10, 2024, with the epicenter located five km, or about three miles, east of San José del Palmar [2]. The powerful tremors caused a cable car to swing violently before it became immobilized, leaving passengers suspended high above the ground [1], [3].
Video footage captured the panic of those inside the cabin as the vehicle swayed during the quake [3]. The passengers remained stuck in mid-air as the system halted due to the seismic activity [1].
Official reports indicate the human toll of the earthquake is severe. Authorities said there were at least 224 deaths [4]. Additionally, at least 572 people have been injured [4].
Emergency responders focused on the western region of the country to locate survivors and evacuate those trapped in transit systems. The 7.4-magnitude quake [1] caused significant instability in the terrain near the epicenter, complicating rescue efforts in the rugged landscape of San José del Palmar [2].
“A 7.4-magnitude earthquake caused the cable car to swing and become immobilised.”
This event underscores the critical need for seismic-resistant engineering in tourist and public transport infrastructure within Colombia's earthquake-prone zones. The high casualty count suggests that the 7.4-magnitude quake exceeded the structural thresholds of many local buildings and systems, potentially necessitating a review of safety protocols for cable-based transit in high-risk areas.
