Primitive cable car “varangel” accidents in the black sea region of Rize in Turkey

Abstract

Varangels are simple and uniquely-designed cable car-like vehicles commonly used for human and cargo transportation in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey, a mountainous region. Varangels cause various accidents, resulting even in death. This study investigated the characteristics of the patients with injuries caused by varangel accidents. Medical records of 78 patients (55 males) admitted with injuries due to varangel accidents to Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital between January 2010 and December 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Data including age, gender, site and type of the injury, accident type, and outcomes were recorded. No significant differences were determined among patients in terms of the time and type of the accident, site of the injury and outcomes according to gender or age groups. According to the type of the accident, significant differences were observed regarding the site of the injury and outcomes. Compression injuries appeared to affect the extremities more, whereas head-neck injuries were encountered more often due to falling from high. While patients with impact injuries were mostly treated in the outpatient units, those with compression injuries were treated both in the inpatient and outpatient units. Although no significant difference was determined according to the injury site, two patients who died had head-neck injuries. This study evaluating cable car-related accidents in Turkey is the most comprehensive study, with the highest number of cases analyzed. Therefore, local authorities take the necessary measures in place and widely used in the region varangels is intended to provide the legal regulations.