Skiers Trapped in Gondola in La Plagne
Dozens Stuck In Ski Lift For Several Hours
A gondola broke down in La Plagne at around 16:30 yesterday afternoon leaving dozens of skiers trapped up high for several hours.
An electrical problem caused the breakdown which left around 30 skiers stuck in 13 gondolas high above the ground. Lift operators tried in vain to restart the gondola before deciding to put a complex evacuation plan into action. A large rescue team consisting of around 70 safety experts was then mobilised to evacuate the skiers using ropes and harnesses as falling snow and nightfall rendered a helicopter rescue impossible. The skiers were all eventually rescued unharmed within 5 hours of the incident.
Several children were among the 30 or so skiers trapped in the gondola, all of whom were treated to a hot meal in a local restaurant following their ordeal.
