Twenty tourists trapped in a cable car some 80 meters above the ground for more than 18 hours in Bavaria, southern Germany were safely rescued Saturday by helicopter, local authorities said.

All 20 passengers, including five children, were in sound condition, according to a spokesman with local rescue department.

They were trapped in the cable car when it was hit by a hang glider Friday afternoon, not far from the Ludwig II Neuschwanstein castle, a major tourist attraction.

Some 30 people were brought down later on Friday, and the rescue work was suspended due to the nightfall.

Authorities are now checking the telpher line for potential safety risks.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet