Chairlift Collapses at a Resort and Leaves at Least 8 Hurt, Including 1 Person Who Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury

A chairlift collapse at a resort has resulted in at least 8 individuals getting injured, with one suffering from a spinal cord injury. The incident occurred at a resort in Nalchik, situated in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria region last Friday, as reported by the Russian News Agency TASS. A video circulating on TikTok via Metro.uk captured the heartbreaking scene where chairs were witnessed plummeting into a lake below after a cable suddenly dropped to the ground.

Initial reports stated that six individuals sustained injuries, with five being admitted to hospitals for treatment of “light or moderate injuries.” However, subsequent updates from Russia’s regional Health Ministry revealed that “two more injured individuals” were later transported to the regional clinical hospital. Shockingly, the severity of injuries for some victims turned out to be more grave than initially assessed, with one individual diagnosed with a spinal cord injury following a CT scan.

Following the distressing incident, emergency services swiftly responded, with Russia’s Emergencies Ministry’s rescuers and other services mobilizing to the scene. The Health Ministry disclosed that a total of 21 people were on the chairlift when the collapse occurred. Fortunately, the remaining individuals were successfully evacuated, and a search-and-rescue operation was initiated as a precautionary measure. Authorities have attributed the preliminary cause of the chairlift malfunction to the wear and tear of cables; nevertheless, a comprehensive investigation is underway to explore all possible factors contributing to the unfortunate incident.

Moreover, the Investigative Committee for the Kabardino-Balkaria Region has initiated a criminal case into the collapse, aiming to ascertain accountability and prevent future occurrences. The tragic chairlift collapse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in all recreational facilities, particularly those involving heights and machinery. Authorities have emphasised the need for thorough inspections and regular maintenance to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.

As updates continue to emerge regarding the aftermath of the chairlift collapse, our thoughts are with the injured individuals and their families during this challenging time. It is imperative that swift action is taken to determine the root cause of the collapse and to implement necessary safety measures to avert similar tragedies in the future. Stay tuned for more developments on this ongoing investigation as authorities work towards ensuring the safety and security of visitors at recreational establishments, prioritising the well-being of all individuals.