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Two in intensive care after Spain ski lift collapse
Skiers in the Pyrenees were left shaken by the dramatic incident, which has left 10 people injured, two of them seriously
Two 18-year-old women are in intensive care following a chairlift collapse at the Astún ski resort in the Spanish Pyrenees near the French border on Saturday January 18. The accident, which left several people injured, has prompted investigations by local authorities, while the resort resumed operations on Sunday, apart from the affected lift.What happened?
The accident occurred when a pulley failure caused a loss of tension in the cable holding the chairlift, leading to several seats falling to the ground and throwing skiers into the snow. Dozens of people who remained suspended 15 metres above the ground were rescued by emergency services.
Initial reports estimated that around 30 people were injured, though the resort later clarified that approximately 15 were affected. Emergency teams treated 20 individuals on site, while 10 others were taken to hospitals across Aragón.
The two women in the most serious condition were airlifted to Zaragoza hospitals. One remains in the ICU at Miguel Servet University Hospital, stable but under observation, while the other, at Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital, is also showing signs of improvement.
A 67-year-old woman has been discharged from Hospital San Jorge in Huesca, and a minor admitted to the Children’s Hospital in Zaragoza is reported to have non-serious injuries.
Jaime Pelegri, a skier on the lift at the time, described the experience as “very scary but very fast”. He added that emergency responders arrived within 15 minutes. Images shared on social media show a detached flywheel and other damage to the lift.
Official investigation launched
Authorities are now focused on determining the exact cause of the accident. Regional President Jorge Azcón visited the scene alongside Interior Minister Roberto Bermúdez de Castro. Azcón confirmed that all necessary resources are being deployed to assist those affected and uncover the reason behind the malfunction.
The Guardia Civil in Jaca has initiated a judicial investigation, while the Aragón Government and the resort’s management, Estación Invernal Valle de Astún (Eivasa), are conducting parallel inquiries.
Deputy General Manager of the resort, Andrés Pita, stated that all ski lifts, including the one involved in the accident, are regularly inspected under stringent regulations. The affected chairlift had passed its most recent thorough inspection in 2021.
The ski resort has already reopened
Astún reopened on Sunday January 19, offering its full 25 kilometres of skiable terrain, excluding the Canal Roya lift, which remains closed. Pita reassured the public that skier safety is the resort’s top priority, emphasising that such incidents are extremely rare.
Despite the reopening, some skiers reported lighter queues and fewer cars in the parking area, suggesting lingering concerns.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock over the incident and pledged the full support of the Spanish government. A hotline has been set up to assist the families of those affected.
Image: Bomberos de la Diputación de Huesca
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