Inside Edition - Dad and 19-Year-Old Son Get Stuck on Ski Lift for 5 Hours
A ski lift at Winter Park Resort in Colorado malfunctioned when computerized sensors detected a crack in a metal support beam, automatically shutting down the lift. This left 174 skiers stranded in gondolas, some 50 feet above the ground, for up to six hours. Among those trapped was 19-year-old Jack Bron Kedy, who was unprepared for the cold as he was only wearing a hoodie. The rescue operation involved ski patrol hooking up ropes to the gondolas and lowering the skiers to safety. Amy Carr, another skier, expressed concern as it was the first rescue operation for the ski patrol member assisting her. Despite initial fears, all skiers were safely rescued, and the cracked beam has since been replaced by the resort.
Key Points:
- A crack in a ski lift's support beam led to an automatic shutdown, stranding 174 skiers.
- The rescue operation took six hours, involving ropes to lower skiers from gondolas.
- Skiers were stranded 50 feet above ground, facing cold conditions.
- The incident highlighted the importance of safety sensors and emergency preparedness.
- The cracked beam has been replaced, ensuring future safety.
Details:
1. 🎿 Ski Lift Ordeal Begins
- Nearly 200 people were stranded on a gondola-style ski lift due to a crack in a metal support beam, emphasizing the critical need for regular maintenance and safety checks on ski lift infrastructure.
- The rescue operation lasted five hours and involved coordinated efforts from emergency services, showcasing the importance of having well-prepared emergency response plans for ski resorts.
- Challenges faced during the rescue included adverse weather conditions and the complexity of safely evacuating individuals from height, highlighting the need for specialized training and equipment.
- This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with ski lift operations and the necessity for ongoing safety audits and infrastructure assessments.
2. 🧥 Unprepared and Rescued
- 174 skiers were rescued at Winter Park Resort in Colorado after a crack in a metal support beam was detected by computerized sensors, leading to an automatic shutdown of the chair lift.
- The rescue operation lasted 6 hours, with local ski patrol lowering skiers from gondolas 50 ft above the ground.
- A notable incident involved 19-year-old Jack Bron Kedy, who was stuck wearing only a hoodie without a shirt, underscoring the need for preparedness in unexpected cold situations.