Number of injured in Spain ski lift collapse revised down to 10
3 min read
Dozens have been injured after a chair lift accident at a ski resort in Spain. Pic: Jaime Pelegrí / X
A ski lift accident at the Astún resort in the Spanish Pyrenees has resulted in 10 people being injured, including two women who are in intensive care. The incident took place at the popular resort, leading to its temporary closure as rescue services arrived to assist those affected. The cause of the accident is believed to be a pulley failure, which caused a cable to slacken and several chairs to fall, throwing skiers onto the ground.
Initial reports suggested that as many as 30 people had been injured, but local media later revised this number down, stating that 17 people had required medical attention. Among the injured, two women, both 18 years old, are in critical condition and have been taken to intensive care units, according to El Pais newspaper. Several other people were treated for less severe injuries, with some being transported to hospitals by ambulances and helicopters.
The accident occurred when a pulley at one end of the chairlift malfunctioned, causing part of the structure to collapse. This resulted in a loss of tension in the cable, leading several of the chairs to fall from a height of about 15 meters (50 feet). Dozens of people who were left hanging on the chairlift were quickly assisted down by emergency responders.
One of the witnesses, Jaime Pelegri, who was on the lift at the time of the incident, described the experience as “very scary, but very fast.” He explained that the cable lost tension before the chairs on his side of the lift fell. Pelegri also mentioned that emergency vehicles arrived at the scene within 15 minutes of the incident. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he reassured followers that he was unharmed but noted that several people had been injured, and ambulances were seen carrying stretchers down the mountain.
Images circulating on social media appeared to show one of the chairlift’s flywheels detached from its upright, though the exact cause of the malfunction has not yet been confirmed. Regional President Jorge Azcón and Spain’s Minister of the Interior, Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, were quick to arrive at the scene to oversee the emergency response. Azcón took to social media to confirm that all necessary government services were working to assist the victims of the incident.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock upon learning of the accident and offered his condolences. In a statement, Sánchez said he had spoken with Azcón to convey the full support of the Spanish government. A dedicated telephone line was also established to assist the families of those affected by the disaster, ensuring they received timely information and support.
The Astún resort, located in the Aragon region of the Pyrenees near the border with France, is a popular destination for Spanish skiers. It is known for its scenic views and winter sports offerings, attracting both local and international visitors. Despite the severity of the incident, authorities are working to determine the cause and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This accident has raised concerns about the safety of ski lifts, especially given the popularity of such resorts during the winter season. Ski lift accidents, while rare, have previously led to calls for increased safety measures and inspections of lift equipment to ensure the well-being of riders. Following the Astún incident, ski resorts across the region are likely to review their safety protocols and conduct more rigorous checks of their equipment.
As investigations into the exact cause of the failure continue, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured and providing support to their families. With the resort closed for the time being, authorities are taking steps to ensure the safety of other visitors and prevent further incidents.In conclusion, the ski lift accident at the Astún resort has resulted in several injuries, with two individuals in critical condition. While the exact cause of the malfunction remains under investigation, local and national authorities are providing full support to those affected, and steps are being taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.
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