Ski lift accident in Spain leaves dozens injured

A devastating chairlift accident in Spain’s Pyrenees mountain range has left at least 30 people injured, nine of them with life-threatening injuries and eight in serious condition. The incident occurred in the Astún ski resort, located near the French border.

According to local authorities, the accident occurred on one of the resort’s chairlifts. Witnesses described the event as a sudden and chaotic failure of the elevator system. “It’s like a cable has come loose,” one witness told Spanish state broadcaster TVE. “Chairs bounced and people were thrown.”

To make matters worse, around 80 people are still trapped on the chairlift. Rescue efforts are underway to safely evacuate stranded people.

The cause of the incident is still unknown

The exact cause of the lift’s failure is still unclear. Authorities and technical teams are investigating the incident to determine what caused the collapse. Meanwhile, the area around the chairlift has been cordoned off to ensure public safety.

Images and videos circulating on social media show the grim consequences, with people injured on the ground near the ski lift. In some images a helicopter can be seen landing at the site, presumably to assist in emergency evacuations and transport the injured to medical facilities.

Officials respond

The incident has provoked rapid reactions from regional and national leaders. The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, expressed his shock and extended his support to the victims and their families. “I am shocked by the news of the accident,” Sánchez said. “All our love goes to the injured and their loved ones.”

Jorge Azcón, president of the Government of Aragon, was immediately informed of the tragedy and has traveled to the scene to supervise the rescue and recovery efforts. The President of the Government confirmed that he had spoken with Azcón to offer him all the support of the Spanish Government in responding to the crisis.

In addition, a telephone hotline has been set up for families seeking information about those affected by the accident.

Emergency response underway

The regional government has deployed emergency services to the scene, including medical teams and search and rescue personnel. Priority has been given to evacuating those with serious injuries, and helicopters have been used to transport critical cases to nearby hospitals.

This tragic incident has raised questions about safety protocols and lift maintenance standards, especially at popular resorts like Astún, which attract thousands of visitors during the peak winter season.

As rescue operations continue and investigators work to uncover the cause of the collapse, the focus remains on supporting the injured and ensuring the safety of those still trapped in the disabled elevator.