At least eight people were injured last week when a chairlift at a Russian resort collapsed. Several media outlets shared footage of the incident.
According to a report by TASS, a Russian News Agency, the incident occurred on August 8 at around 5:45 PM. A chairlift collapsed in a resort area in the Nalchik municipal district in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria Region. The outlet reports that the collapse injured six people, and five required hospital treatment. However, an updated report by TASS clarified, “Two more injured individuals have been taken to the regional clinical hospital following a chairlift collapse in the city of Nalchik. There are a total of eight injured.”
The report explains that authorities believe 21 people were using the chairlift at the time. Regional head Kazbek Kokov reportedly noted there were no fatalities. Emergency Services allegedly told TASS that they believe wear and tear on the cable may have caused the collapse. “During the investigation, all other versions will be considered,” they reportedly said.
Witness Footage Shows The Moment The Chairlift Collapsed
UK news outlet Metro shared footage of the collapse on social media.
The video shows the chairlift going up a hill by a lake. The cable jolts, suddenly dropping riders traveling both ways. One rider appears to fall several feet before colliding with a metal fence, before swinging into a tree.
Metro claims four people landed in the nearby Lake Trek while six hit the ground. TASS confirmed that emergency services have since discharged two people from the hospital. However, one person is in intensive care in a serious condition. Regional Health Minister Rustam Kalibatov told the outlet that scans revealed one passenger suffered a spinal injury.
Rescuers evacuated 13 people from the site. Investigators have reportedly opened a criminal investigation into the incident.
Last month, multiple riders were injured after a theme park ride snapped in half. The incident occurred at Green Mountain Park in Taif, Saudi Arabia. “360 Degrees” is a pendulum-style ride that swings a gondola of passengers. During an upswing, the mechanical arm snapped, injuring at least 23 people. Authorities have launched an urgent investigation to determine what caused the ride to malfunction.