Horrifying footage has emerged showing the moment a chairlift at a popular Russian ski resort suddenly collapsed, sending four people plummeting into a freezing lake below while six others crashed onto the ground.
The incident, which occurred at the unnamed resort, left several passengers dangling precariously mid-air as emergency services rushed to the scene. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as screams echoed across the slopes.
Chaos on the Slopes
According to reports, the chairlift malfunctioned without warning, causing several chairs to detach from the cable. Four passengers were thrown into the icy waters of a nearby lake, while six others fell onto hard-packed snow and rocks.
Rescue teams worked frantically to reach those trapped in the water and assist injured victims on the ground. Local authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the cause of the catastrophic failure.
Eyewitness Accounts
"It happened so fast - one second people were enjoying the ride, the next they were falling through the air," said one shaken witness. "The sound of the metal breaking still haunts me."
Another bystander described heroic efforts by resort staff and fellow skiers who rushed to help victims before professional rescuers arrived. "People were pulling others from the water, wrapping them in coats - it was incredible to see," they recalled.
Safety Concerns Raised
This incident has reignited concerns about safety standards at Russian ski resorts, particularly regarding aging infrastructure. While the exact cause remains unclear, early speculation points to possible mechanical failure or structural weaknesses.
The regional governor has promised a thorough investigation and vowed to hold those responsible accountable if negligence is found. Meanwhile, the resort has suspended all lift operations pending safety inspections.
Medical teams reported treating victims for hypothermia, broken bones and other injuries, though no fatalities have been confirmed at this time. The condition of the most seriously injured remains unclear.
