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A ski lift accident at Astún Resort, nestled in the Pyrenees mountains, has left at least 30 people injured, including two in serious condition, according to emergency services in Spain’s Aragon region.
The accident, which occurred on Saturday, saw around 80 skiers trapped on the chairlift in its immediate aftermath. While details remain unclear, eyewitness reports suggest a cable failure, causing chairs to violently bounce and some riders to be thrown from their seats.
“It’s like a cable has come off, the chairs have bounced, and people have been thrown off,” one witness told Spanish state broadcaster TVE.
A major rescue operation was launched, with helicopters deployed to evacuate those stranded and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Emergency services confirmed that 10 people required hospitalization, with two suffering serious injuries.
Fernando Beltrán, a representative of Spain’s government in Aragon, later assured the public via social media that all affected skiers had been evacuated and were receiving medical care.
Social media videos captured disturbing scenes of skiers lying injured in the snow beneath the lift, while others remained stranded mid-air as the rescue unfolded.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock and concern, offering his support to the injured and their families.
Astún Resort issued a statement via X (formerly Twitter), confirming they were working closely with emergency services and expressing their support for those affected.
The exact cause of the accident remains unknown, and an investigation is expected to follow.
This terrifying incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of ski lift malfunctions. As ski resorts worldwide continue to push for modernized safety standards, this accident will likely prompt further scrutiny into lift maintenance and operational protocols.
Skitheworld
Source: AP News
