At Astun Ski Resort in northeastern Spain, a chairlift malfunction has resulted in numerous injuries, with several individuals in critical condition. The accident unfolded this morning in the Aragon Valley, a location known for its appealing skiing conditions, bringing about a swift emergency response.
Reports from the area indicate that 39 people were hurt, with nine of these individuals suffering severe injuries. The incident involved a derailment of the chairlift, leading to some chairs plummeting to the ground while others jerked violently along the cable.
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Initially, approximately 80 people were reported trapped on the malfunctioning chairlift. Emergency teams were dispatched to carry out evacuation operations. The scene was chaotic, with helicopters and ambulances arriving to transport those affected to nearby medical facilities.
Jaca Hospital was among the first to prepare for incoming casualties, although other hospitals in the vicinity have also been engaged to manage the influx of injured individuals. Miguel Ángel Clavero, who manages emergency operations for the Aragon government, acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
Clavero explained that a failure in the return mechanism of one of the chairlifts led to a loss of tension, subsequently causing the fall of the chairs. Three individuals were evacuated, two by helicopter, including a woman requiring urgent surgery.
Survivors and witnesses have shared their accounts of the disturbing event. Oscar, a skier, mentioned to a Spanish TV network that a pulley wheel might have broken or become dislodged, causing the cable to thrash about. He described the unsettling experience of bouncing up and down but expressed relief at not hitting the ground, unlike others who were less fortunate.
Another survivor, María Moreno, recounted her terrifying ordeal to public broadcaster TVE. She described a sudden noise followed by a direct fall to the ground while still inside the chair, experiencing multiple bounces that left their backs sore. Moreno expressed concern for those who fell out of their chairs and sustained severe injuries.
In response to the emergency, the regional government of Aragon has facilitated an ongoing evacuation process and established a hotline for the families of those affected. A spokesperson from the government-operated emergency response center labeled the event as a “chairlift accident with multiple casualties.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez conveyed his shock via social media, highlighting his conversation with Aragon President Jorge Azcon to offer national support. President Azcon has been actively involved, overseeing the emergency response efforts on-site.
While evacuations continue, the regional government reports that there are eight seriously injured individuals and nine with very critical injuries. Initial assessments suggest that the accident was triggered by a mechanical issue within the chairlift system, specifically a tension loss in the return cable.
Authorities are conducting an extensive investigation to pinpoint the precise cause of the incident and to ensure the safety of the resort’s infrastructure. Astun Ski Resort remains closed as emergency personnel proceed with their operations. The full impact of the incident, in terms of injuries and structural damage, is expected to become clearer in the upcoming days.
