The equipment failed and the chairs fell 15 metres; the authorities are investigating the causes
According to the government of Aragon, a cable car accident in the ski resort of Astún in north-eastern Spain has injured at least 35 people, including nine in very serious condition and eight in serious condition. The accident occurred on Saturday morning (18th), in the Aragonese Pyrenees, near the border with France, after a cable car broke away, causing several chairs to fall.
The accident led to the immediate closure of the station, which was evacuated. Some people remained hanging from the cable car, but have already been rescued by rescue teams. The operations involved five helicopters and 15 ambulances, as well as a field hospital set up on site for first aid. The injured were transferred to nearby hospitals.
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“Suddenly we heard a noise and we fell to the ground. We jumped several times and our backs hurt,” María Moreno, one of the victims, told TVE. Other witnesses described the moment as “chaotic”, with chairs suddenly falling and hitting people directly.
Miguel Ángel Clavero, Director General of Emergencies of the Government of Aragon, underlined on social media that the fault may have occurred in the return pulley of the cable car, a fundamental piece for the stability of the equipment. “The cable lost tension, which caused some chairs to fall and left others hanging,” he explained. Investigations are underway to establish the exact causes.
The regional president of Aragon, Jorge Azcón, and the president of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, expressed solidarity with the victims and guaranteed the mobilization of all the necessary resources for aid. “Shocked by the news, I offer the full support of the Executive,” declared Sánchez.
How does a cable car work? Are accidents frequent?
Cable cars are suspended transportation systems that use cables to move chairs or cabins, especially in mountainous areas. Operation depends on components such as traction cables, return pulleys and locking systems that ensure the safety of passengers.
Although they are considered safe, accidents can occur due to mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions or human error. According to international reports, approximately 50 significant accidents involving cable cars occurred around the world between 2000 and 2020, resulting in approximately 200 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Source: Terra
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