A woman was killed when a ski gondola crashed down a snowy mountain at Engelberg ski resort in the Swiss Alps, local officials confirmed. Authorities in the Nidwalden canton reported that the gondola detached from the cable for reasons that remain unclear around 11:00 AM local time on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses noted that strong winds were buffeting the mountainside during the incident. Dramatic footage has emerged showing the gondola tumbling down Mt Titlis and flipping several times before coming to a halt. The victim, identified as a 61-year-old local woman, was reportedly alone in the gondola when the accident occurred soon after it left the Trübsee station.
Rescue operations involved air rescue services, ambulances, and police, as additional resources were dispatched to the crash site. A ski resort visitor recounted their experience, stating that extremely strong winds had caused the gondolas to sway dangerously. Police reported gusts of wind exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph), which are beyond the safe operational limits for gondola services, leading to the suspension of operations.
The ski lift management expressed deep shock at the incident, with their director, Norbert Patt, extending condolences to the victim’s family.
Following the crash, around 100 to 200 passengers were safely evacuated from approximately 40 gondolas that were stranded on the mountain.
Eyewitnesses noted that strong winds were buffeting the mountainside during the incident. Dramatic footage has emerged showing the gondola tumbling down Mt Titlis and flipping several times before coming to a halt. The victim, identified as a 61-year-old local woman, was reportedly alone in the gondola when the accident occurred soon after it left the Trübsee station.
Rescue operations involved air rescue services, ambulances, and police, as additional resources were dispatched to the crash site. A ski resort visitor recounted their experience, stating that extremely strong winds had caused the gondolas to sway dangerously. Police reported gusts of wind exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph), which are beyond the safe operational limits for gondola services, leading to the suspension of operations.
The ski lift management expressed deep shock at the incident, with their director, Norbert Patt, extending condolences to the victim’s family.
Following the crash, around 100 to 200 passengers were safely evacuated from approximately 40 gondolas that were stranded on the mountain.
