In a harrowing incident at the height of ski season, a major chairlift malfunction at the Astún resort in Spain’s Aragon region has left dozens injured, some critically, and scores more stranded high above the slopes. The accident occurred midday on Saturday when a cable apparently snapped, sending chairs plummeting to the ground and leaving skiers dangling precariously.
According to regional authorities, at least nine people sustained very serious injuries, with another eight categorized as seriously hurt. Witnesses described a terrifying scene of chairs bouncing violently and ejecting passengers onto the snow-covered terrain below.
“It’s like a cable has come off, the chairs have bounced and people have been thrown off.”
Eyewitness account
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
Faced with this dire situation, emergency services sprang into action. Several helicopters were promptly deployed to the scene to facilitate the rescue of an estimated 80 individuals still trapped on the damaged chairlift, suspended some 15 meters (50 feet) in the air.
Footage shared by Spain’s Guardia Civil showed a helicopter maneuvering close to the immobilized lift, as specialized teams worked to safely evacuate the stranded skiers. Those with injuries were swiftly airlifted to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
The exact cause of the cable failure remains unclear at this time. Resort management has refrained from commenting while an investigation is opened to determine what triggered this distressing event that has sent shockwaves through the ski community.
A Day of Skiing Turns to Chaos
For the many skiers and snowboarders enjoying a day on the picturesque slopes of Astún, located in the heart of the Pyrenees mountains near the French border, the chairlift collapse turned an idyllic outing into a nightmarish ordeal.
“Luckily we are fine but there are injured people, we have seen several stretchers coming down,” shared witness Jamie Pelegri on social media, capturing the mix of relief and concern felt by those who narrowly escaped harm.
Leaders Rush to the Scene
News of the accident prompted swift responses from Spain’s top leaders. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock upon learning of the incident, offering heartfelt support to the injured and their loved ones.
Meanwhile, Aragon regional president Jorge Azcón and the nation’s interior minister Roberto Bermúdez de Castro made immediate plans to travel to Astún to oversee the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts firsthand.
“All the necessary services of the [government] are working to assist the affected and injured people.”
Jorge Azcón, President of Aragon
Assessing the Aftermath
As the full scope of this catastrophe unfolds, questions inevitably arise about chairlift safety protocols and maintenance at ski resorts. The incident at Astún is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny and potential regulatory reviews to prevent such harrowing events from occurring in the future.
For now, the priority remains on tending to the wounded, reuniting the stranded with their loved ones, and supporting all those impacted by this distressing episode. The ski community, resilient and close-knit, will undoubtedly rally to provide aid and comfort in the face of this adversity.
As the rescue operation pushes forward and the investigation into the cause begins in earnest, the events at Astún serve as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks associated with adventure sports and the critical importance of stringent safety measures to protect the lives of those who seek out the thrills of the slopes.
