NBC News - 174 people rescued from from stalled ski lift in Colorado
A ski lift at a Colorado resort automatically stopped after detecting a crack in the system, stranding nearly 175 people. The ski patrol initiated a lift evacuation, with some passengers stuck for three hours before being safely brought down. The rescue involved instructing passengers on how to rappel to safety, with a seven-year-old being the first to descend. This was a new experience for both the passengers and some ski patrol members, who had only practiced rappelling before. The incident was caused by a malfunction at the gondola's base, and the resort is investigating the failure. The lift is currently undergoing testing after a new part was installed, with hopes to reopen soon.
Key Points:
- A ski lift at a Colorado resort stalled due to a detected crack, stranding 175 people.
- Ski patrol conducted a lift evacuation, instructing passengers to rappel to safety.
- Some passengers, including a seven-year-old, were stuck for three hours before rescue.
- The incident was caused by a malfunction at the gondola's base, under investigation.
- The lift is being tested after repairs, with plans to reopen soon.
Details:
1. 🎿 Frigid Rescue at Colorado Resort
- A daring rescue operation took place at a Colorado resort under frigid conditions.
- The rescue involved overcoming extreme weather challenges, highlighting the importance of preparedness and quick response in emergency situations.
- The event underscores the necessity for resorts to have well-trained emergency response teams and equipment ready for harsh weather conditions.
2. 🚠 Stalled Ski Lift Evacuation
- 175 people were evacuated from a stalled ski lift after it automatically stopped due to a detected crack in the system.
- The ski patrol efficiently initiated the evacuation process, ensuring passenger safety.
- Four passengers were stuck for three hours before being successfully rescued, highlighting the challenges faced during the operation.
- All passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported, demonstrating the effectiveness of the emergency response.
3. 🧗♂️ Rappelling to Safety and First Descents
- Ski patrol instructed a gondola group on how to rappel to safety using a big orange rope due to an unspecified emergency situation.
- A seven-year-old ski student was the first to rappel down, marking a significant first descent and demonstrating the effectiveness of the ski patrol's training.
- The experience was new for Alexei Dmitriev, who noted it was interesting despite not being scared of heights, indicating the novelty and challenge of the situation.
- The successful rappelling ensured the safety of all involved, showcasing the preparedness and skill of the ski patrol team.