In brief
A ski gondola crash at Engelberg resort in Switzerland has tragically resulted in the death of a 61-year-old woman. The gondola detached from its cable amidst strong winds, and authorities are investigating the incident. Eyewitnesses described dramatic scenes as the gondola fell several times before coming to rest, with rescue services deployed swiftly.
A woman was killed when a ski gondola crashed down a snowy mountain at Engelberg ski resort in the Swiss Alps, local officials say.
Police in the central Swiss canton of Nidwalden reported that the gondola detached from the cable for reasons that are still unclear at about 11:00 (10:00 GMT) on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses told Swiss media that strong winds were buffeting the mountainside when the crash occurred. Dramatic video has surfaced showing the gondola tumbling down Mt Titlis, flipping over several times before coming to a halt.
Authorities confirmed the victim was a 61-year-old woman from the region. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The woman was alone in the Titlis Xpress ski gondola when it detached shortly after leaving the Trübsee station.
Emergency services, including air rescue, ambulances, and police, were on site to handle the crisis. One skier described how extremely strong winds caused the gondolas to sway, with police noting gusts exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph). The gondola service is typically suspended when winds reach above 60 km/h.
Witnesses recounted their shock, with one schoolchild saying they were frightened to return to the gondola after witnessing the crash. The ski lift managers expressed their shock and extended their condolences to the victim's family.
Following the incident, ski lift operations were temporarily suspended, with reports indicating that between 100 and 200 passengers were safely evacuated from approximately 40 gondolas.
