A ski lift accident in the Spanish Pyrenees on Saturday injured at least 30 people and left dozens trapped for hours about 15 meters (50 feet) above a slope in the resort town of Aston in the country’s northern Aragon region.
Aragon’s regional emergency services reported that 10 people had to be hospitalized after being thrown from a lift due to equipment failure. Two of the 10 are said to be seriously injured.
Although the cause of the incident is unknown, witnesses said, “It’s as if a cable broke, chairs bounced and people jumped.”
Others reported that pieces had fallen from the elevator, noting that many of those injured may have been hit by falling metal parts.
Pictures posted on social media showed several skiers lying in the snow beneath the lift. Spain’s Guardia Civil posted video of its staff in action.
Spain’s Prime Minister said, shocked by the incident
Several helicopters were dispatched to the scene in an effort to evacuate the injured to hospitals as well as rescue people trapped above the slopes.
No information was given about the nationality of those affected.
Psychologists were immediately dispatched to the scene to assist the injured skiers.
Aragon’s regional president Jorge Azcón immediately arrived at the scene, while Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his “surprise” on social media, saying his thoughts and prayers were with those affected.
js/rm (ap, dpa)
