Photo: Europa Press
A chairlift accident at the Astún ski resort in the Spanish Pyrenees left at least 30 people injured on Saturday (January 18). The incident occurred when a pulley supporting the lift came loose, causing a cable to lose tension and several chairs to fall. Emergency services quickly responded, with ambulances and helicopters transporting the injured to hospitals. At least 17 people required medical attention, and two were seriously injured.
According to BBC News, the accident prompted a swift response from local authorities, who worked to rescue approximately 50 people who were trapped on the lift, about 50 feet above ground.
Helicopters and ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people being thrown from the lift as it malfunctioned.
Regional President Jorge Azcón and Spain's Minister of the Interior, Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, visited the site to oversee the rescue operations. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock and offered the government's full support to those affected.
A telephone line has been established for the families of the injured.