A ski lift collapse at Astún resort in Spain’s Pyrenees injured ten people, including two with severe injuries. Emergency teams acted swiftly to manage the crisis.
Rapid Rescue Efforts Following the Incident
On Saturday, a ski lift failure at the Astún resort caused passengers to fall into the snow below. Initially, reports suggested 35 injuries, but emergency officials later confirmed 30 people were involved. Of those, ten required hospital treatment. Two individuals suffered serious injuries, two others needed urgent medical care, and six sustained minor injuries. Twenty others received clearance after on-site evaluations.
Miguel Ángel Clavero, head of Aragón’s emergency services, explained that a mechanical failure in the ski lift’s return system likely caused the collapse. Teams of Guardia Civil officers, firefighters, and resort staff worked together to rescue passengers stranded on the lift and ensure their safety.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Accident
Survivors described the terrifying moments during the incident. María Moreno, one of the passengers, recalled: “We heard a loud sound, and suddenly we fell to the ground while still seated. The chair bounced multiple times, leaving some of us hurt. Others were thrown out of their seats.”
Moreno noted that some individuals appeared more seriously injured when parts of the lift struck them directly. Another witness described seeing chairs bouncing violently and passengers flung into the air as if a cable had snapped.
Emergency Teams Mobilized to Respond
Rescue operations began immediately after the incident. Authorities dispatched five helicopters, 14 ambulances, and a mobile medical center to Astún. Resort officials closed the ski station and evacuated the area to allow emergency crews unobstructed access.
Aragón’s regional president, Jorge Azcón, visited the site to oversee the response efforts. Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. “I am deeply saddened by the accident at Astún and have offered full government support to the region,” he stated.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The ski resort remains closed while authorities investigate the exact cause of the failure. Experts aim to determine how the incident occurred and assess potential safety improvements. The accident has prompted discussions about maintenance standards for ski lifts and the need for stricter oversight.
Meanwhile, the injured continue receiving medical care, and emergency teams are finalizing recovery efforts. The incident highlights the importance of ensuring safety at high-traffic winter destinations.
