The Pyrenees mountain range, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, witnessed a tragic incident at the Astún resort that left dozens injured and two teenagers in intensive care. The unexpected collapse of a ski lift disrupted what should have been a day of leisure and fun for visitors, turning it into a scene of chaos and emergency.
The Incident: A Day of Leisure Turns to Tragedy
The accident occurred at the Astún resort, nestled in the northern Aragon region of Spain. As one of the premier ski destinations in the Pyrenees, the resort was bustling with activity.
According to emergency services, the ski lift collapse led to at least 30 injuries, with 10 individuals requiring hospital treatment. Two 18-year-old women are in intensive care, their condition critical but stable, as confirmed by regional authorities.
Witnesses described a terrifying scene in which a cable appeared to snap, causing the chairs to bounce violently and ejecting people from their seats.
“It’s like a cable has come off, the chairs have bounced, and people have been thrown off,” a witness told Spain’s state TV channel, TVE. Approximately 80 individuals were trapped on the chairlifts following the incident, awaiting rescue as the emergency response unfolded.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
The immediate aftermath of the collapse saw a swift response from emergency services. Several helicopters were dispatched to the area to assist with the evacuation and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Images and videos circulating on social media showed people lying on the snow, underscoring the severity of the situation.
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Despite the chaos, authorities managed to evacuate all those affected within two and a half hours. Fernando Beltrán, a representative of Spain’s government in the Aragon region, confirmed that all skiers had been safely evacuated and were receiving necessary medical care.
‼️A Ski lift at Astún resort in Spain's Pyrenees collapsed, leaving several injured, Emergency services, including helicopters, are at the scene. pic.twitter.com/ayyoZjQGxK
— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) January 18, 2025
The Astún resort released a statement expressing its “consternation and support for those affected,” emphasizing that all necessary permits and inspections for the facility were in place and that rescue protocols had functioned as intended.
The two teenagers in intensive care remain under close observation, with doctors and medical staff working tirelessly to ensure their recovery. Meanwhile, eight others with less severe injuries are also receiving medical attention, and the overall number of those impacted highlights the scale of the incident.
Unanswered Questions: Investigating the Cause
The cause of the ski lift collapse remains unknown. While the resort has assured the public that its facilities met all required safety standards, the incident raises questions about the maintenance and inspection protocols in place. Investigators are now focused on determining what went wrong to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock and concern over the accident, extending his thoughts to the injured and their families. His statement underscored the collective grief and concern felt across Spain as the nation awaits further updates on the condition of those affected.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in adventure sports and the critical importance of safety measures.
For the visitors at Astún resort, what began as a day of recreation turned into a harrowing experience that will not soon be forgotten. As the investigation continues, authorities and the public alike hope for answers that will shed light on the cause of this tragic accident.
The Astún resort, a favorite destination for skiing enthusiasts, must now grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, ensuring that its safety measures are foolproof to restore public confidence. Meanwhile, the focus remains on the injured, particularly the two young women fighting for their lives in intensive care.
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