By Daily Mail (World News) | Created at 2024-11-19 12:35:17 | Updated at 2024-11-19 14:49:29
2 hours ago
At least six people have reportedly been injured in a cable car accident in the popular Alpine ski resort of Val Thorens in France.
The accident occurred early this morning under 'challenging weather conditions' as the upmarket resort prepared to open for ski season, local authorities reported.
A cabin of the Cime Caron cable car, used for construction work, hit the arrival station while carrying 16 workers.
Emergency responders were deployed to the site and used a gondola to evacuate the injured as the prefecture set up a 'mass casualty plan' to coordinate efforts.
Two people were found 'seriously injured' and four 'slightly injured', the local prefecture reported.
The accident happened four days before the opening of the resort for the winter season, on Nov. 23.
Firefighters, paramedics, ski patrollers, and high-mountain rescue teams were all drawn in to help rescue the injured as a crisis management cell was pulled together.
Val Thorens is an exceptionally high ski station in the Alps, making it a top destination for skiers wanting guaranteed snow as climate change hits resorts at lower altitudes.
With 150 kilometers (93 miles) of runs at altitudes ranging from 2,300 meters up to 3,200 meters, it attracts skiers from across Europe and is part of the 3 Vallées grouping of ski resorts that also includes chic Courchevel and Méribel.
The Cime Caron cable car was once the longest in the world at the time of its construction in 1982, the resort's website says.
The Prefecture of Savoie said the accident occurred around 7:30am this morning.
Two were found 'seriously injured but not in a life-threatening condition' while four were 'slightly injured' in the accident.
