Catastrophic Lift Collapse at Astún Resort in Spain Leaves Dozens Injured

Catastrophic Lift Collapse at Astún Resort in Spain Leaves Dozens Injured

A devastating ski lift collapse at Astún Resort in northern Spain has resulted in over 30 injuries, with nine individuals critically injured and eight others seriously hurt. The accident occurred on January 18, as an apparent failure of the support cable caused the bull-wheel to detach from the lift’s upper station, plunging chairs to the ground.

Disaster Strikes
Harrowing images from the scene reveal skiers stranded on suspended chairs and others scattered on the snow below. Emergency teams acted quickly, deploying helicopters to transport the injured to nearby hospitals and to rescue those still trapped on the lift. Around 80 people were caught in the incident, many of them forced to wait for rescue in a precarious situation. 

The lift involved, known as Canal Roya, is a four-person fixed-grip chairlift built by the REAC Group in 1989. It operates between an elevation of 1,920 meters (6,300 feet) and 2,128 meters (6,960 feet), with an uphill travel time of six minutes. With a carrying capacity of 2,400 passengers per hour, Canal Roya is one of four chairlifts at the resort. The REAC Group, a Swedish manufacturer with factories in Poland, designed the lift.

Emergency Response Amid Ongoing Investigation
Regional leaders, including Governor Jorge Azcón and Councillor Bermúdez de Castro, rushed to Astún to oversee rescue efforts and assess the situation. Emergency responders from RICZM Galicia 64 coordinated on-site operations to evacuate those still on the lift and ensure the injured received immediate medical care. While the exact cause of the failure remains unknown, authorities are examining the lift’s age and maintenance records as potential contributing factors.

About Astún Resort

Astún Ski Resort, located in the Aragón Valley in the Spanish Pyrenees, is one of Spain's premier destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. Nestled near the French border, this resort combines picturesque alpine scenery with a variety of slopes and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for skiers and snowboarders alike. The resort’s base is at an altitude of 1,650 meters (5,413 feet), with its highest point reaching 2,300 meters (7,546 feet). Together with the nearby Candanchú resort, Astún offers 50 kilometers (31 miles) of skiable terrain.

This tragic accident has cast a somber mood over one of Spain’s premier ski destinations. Our hearts go out to the injured and their families during this challenging time.

Stay tuned for further developments on this story as they become available.