Ski Lift Collapse at Astún Resort in Spain Leaves Dozens Injured

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, a devastating incident occurred at the Astún ski resort in the Pyrenees mountains of Spain, leaving dozens of people injured after a ski lift collapsed.

The Incident

The accident happened around midday local time on the Canal Roya slope of the Astún resort, which is located in the province of Huesca, near the French border. According to reports, a failure in one of the chairlift's pulleys caused the structure to collapse, resulting in the chairs becoming destabilized and some of them turning upside down. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people being thrown off the chairs as if a cable had come off.

Injuries and Rescue Operations

At least 30 people were injured in the incident, with varying degrees of severity. Nine individuals are reported to be in critical condition, and another eight are seriously injured[3][4][5].

Emergency services, including multiple helicopters, were quickly deployed to the scene to assist in the rescue operations. By 3 pm local time, all those stranded on the ski lift had been evacuated, thanks to the efforts of the Spanish Civil Guard and other emergency responders[1].

Hospitalizations and Medical Response

Ten of the injured were transferred to hospitals, with two classified as "maximum priority" and another two requiring urgent attention. The remaining injured were treated at the ski station by emergency services[1][5].

Official Response

Spain's President Pedro Sanchez expressed his shock at the news and offered his support to the affected individuals and their families. He also spoke with Aragon's president to coordinate the government's response to the incident[1].

Resort and Location

Astún ski resort, situated in the Aragón Valley of the Spanish Pyrenees, is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, offering approximately 50 kilometers of skiable terrain. The resort is known for its modern facilities, including a ski school, rental shops, and ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Its proximity to the French border and nearby resorts like Candanchú makes it a convenient and attractive destination for winter sports enthusiasts[4].

Ongoing Investigations

The cause of the malfunction is currently under investigation, but initial reports suggest a problem with the support cable may have led to the chairlift coming out of the bullwheel[3][4].

This incident has highlighted the importance of safety measures in ski resorts and the swift response of emergency services in such critical situations. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to the injured and their families.