SKI RESORT ASTÚN, Spain – An accident at a ski resort in the Pyrenees involving a collapsed ski lift left dozens injured and impacted many skiers over the weekend.
The incident occurred at the Astún ski resort in Spain’s Aragon region on January 18. Authorities confirmed that a “15-meter high chairlift line” abruptly fell, prompting a coordinated rescue operation led by the Civil Guard and Mountain Rescue teams.
Video footage released by the Civil Guard depicted emergency personnel boarding helicopters and flying to the site. Upon arrival, first responders found a substantial crowd gathered in the snow beneath the immobilized ski lifts, while some people remained trapped above.
No fatalities were reported, though regional emergency services accounted for approximately 30 injured individuals. Of those, ten required hospitalization, with two in critical condition due to the severity of their injuries.
The incident left around 80 people stranded on suspended chairlifts, necessitating immediate action by emergency responders. The head of Aragon’s emergency services, Miguel Ángel Clavero, stated that the resort was temporarily shut down to facilitate rescue efforts and ensure the safety of visitors.
Preliminary investigations indicated a malfunction in the ski lift’s return system, which led to changes in cable tension, causing the catastrophic breakdown. Civil Guard officers, firefighters, and resort staff were engaged in lowering stranded skiers to safety.
Eyewitnesses recounted a terrifying experience. One skier, María Moreno, shared the suddenness of the event, describing how her chair plummeted to the ground, resulting in multiple jolts and significant discomfort due to the impact. Another witness noted the unsettling sight of chairs bouncing and passengers being ejected from their seats.
In response to the crisis, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed concern and support for those affected. He communicated with the President of Aragon, offering the government’s assistance and extending sympathies to the injured and their families.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the mechanical failure that led to the collapse and preventing similar incidents in the future.
