NEW YORK (IPU NEWS)— Emergency crews rescued more than 60 people who were trapped in a gondola at a ski resort in New York state after a technical malfunction forced the system to stop mid-air, local authorities reported.
The incident occurred during the ski day when the gondola suddenly stopped, leaving dozens of passengers suspended above the mountainous terrain in freezing temperatures. No serious injuries were reported, although some occupants were evaluated by medical personnel after the rescue.
High-Altitude Operation
The rescue required a multi-hour operation involving specialized mountain rescue teams. Rescuers used harnesses and rope descent techniques to evacuate the passengers one by one from the stopped gondola cabins.
Authorities indicated that the operation lasted for much of the day due to the weather conditions and the complexity of the terrain. Firefighters, ski patrol personnel, and technical rescue teams participated in the operation.
Malfunction Investigation
Resort officials reported that the gondola system stopped due to a mechanical or electrical failure that is currently under investigation. As a precaution, the service remained suspended while technicians inspected the infrastructure.
Authorities noted that the safety protocols worked as intended and allowed the evacuation to be carried out without major incidents.
Reactions and Safety
Some passengers described tense moments while waiting for the rescue in the gondola cabins, but praised the actions of the emergency teams. "It was long and cold, but they kept us informed the whole time," one of the rescued individuals told local media.
The incident occurs in the middle of the winter season, when ski resorts in the northeastern United States receive a high number of visitors. State officials indicated that safety systems will be reviewed to prevent similar malfunctions. Following the rescue, the station was assessing when it could resume operations, while the technical inspection of the cable car and the causes of the incident continued.
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