Eyewitness Accounts Emerge After Ski Lift Collapse in Spain Leaves 10 Injured

A ski lift collapse at Astún resort in Spain resulted in 10 injuries, including two women in critical condition, prompting government officials to respond and investigate the cause.

A chairlift accident at the Astún ski resort in the Spanish Pyrenees has resulted in 10 individuals being injured, among whom are two women currently in intensive care. The incident led to the immediate closure of the resort as emergency rescue services swung into action.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a pulley failure may have caused a cable to slacken, resulting in several chairs careening to the ground and throwing skiers into the snow. Initial estimates reported as many as 30 injuries; however, local sources later indicated that 17 people required medical assistance, with ambulances and helicopters transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock at the news, while eyewitness Jaime Pelegri described the chaotic event to the BBC, stating, "It was very scary, but very fast," as he witnessed the cable lose tension before chairs fell from the lift. He mentioned that emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly, within 15 minutes of the collapse.

Images circulating on social media depicted one of the chairlift’s flywheels dislodged from its upright position, raising further questions about safety protocols. Currently, the precise cause of the collapse remains undetermined. In response to the incident, Regional President Jorge Azcón and Spain's Minister of the Interior Roberto Bermúdez de Castro visited the site, assuring that all necessary services are mobilized to support the injured and their families.

Additionally, Prime Minister Sánchez has communicated with Azcón to provide the government's full backing in dealing with the consequences of this incident. A dedicated telephone line has been established for the families of those affected, as the Astún resort is known for its popularity among skiers in the Aragon region, close to the French border.