In brief
A chairlift malfunction in the Spanish Pyrenees resulted in significant injuries, prompting immediate emergency response.
A severe incident occurred at the Astún ski resort in the Spanish Pyrenees when a chairlift malfunction caused 10 injuries, two of whom are women in intensive care. Initially thought to have resulted in 30 injuries, the number was later revised down, with local media estimating 17 individuals requiring medical assistance. Emergency services, including ambulances and helicopters, arrived swiftly, treating the injured and transporting them to hospitals in the area. The accident seemed to arise from a failure of a pulley, which led to a cable slackening and chairs plummeting to the ground, flinging unsuspecting skiers into the snow below. Eyewitness Jaime Pelegri recounted the chaotic scene to the BBC, describing the moment when the tension in the cable was lost, resulting in the harrowing drop of chairs nearby. Images circulating on social media depict a significant mechanical failure, with one of the chairlift’s flywheels appearing dislodged. As the situation unfolded, the Astún resort was closed while officials responded. José Azcón, the Regional President, along with Spain’s Minister of the Interior, Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, visited the scene to oversee the rescue operation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock regarding the incident and assured his support for the affected individuals. Furthermore, a dedicated phone line was established to provide assistance to families of those involved. The popular ski resort, located in the Aragon region near the French border, has attracted many visitors who now find themselves in the midst of this distressing event.
