Two young women are still in intensive care following a chairlift collapse at a ski resort in Spain on Saturday, causing injuries to several individuals.
The incident occurred at the Astún resort in the Spanish Pyrenees, which was temporarily closed for rescue operations but has since resumed normal operations.
A malfunction with a pulley is believed to be the cause of a cable loosening, leading to chairs dropping to the ground and skiers being thrown into the snow.
Initial reports from regional authorities suggested around 30 people were injured, but the ski resort later confirmed that about 15 individuals were harmed.
Local emergency services assessed those affected at the scene. Ten people were transported to the hospital, while 20 others were treated and released immediately.
The two 18-year-old women in critical condition were airlifted to a hospital in Zaragoza, with one reported as stable and the other showing signs of improvement while being closely monitored.
According to the state broadcaster TVE, a detached pulley at one end of the chairlift and a subsequent collapse of its supporting structure caused the cable to lose tension, resulting in multiple seat failures.
Amid the chaos, dozens of individuals stranded on the 15-meter-high (50-foot) chairlift were successfully assisted down to safety.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock over the incident, emphasizing the government's commitment to support those affected.
An eyewitness, Jaime Pelegri, recounted the cable tension loss and the rapid descent of chairs on his side of the lift, admitting to the intense fear but acknowledging the swift response of emergency services within 15 minutes.
Social media images indicate potential damage to one of the chairlift's flywheels.
Regional President Jorge Azcón and Spain's Minister of the Interior Roberto Bermúdez de Castro visited the scene, with PM Pedro Sánchez extending government support in a conversation with Azcón.
A dedicated telephone line has been established for families requiring assistance.
Astún resort, a popular destination for Spanish skiers, is situated in the Aragon region of the Pyrenees mountains near the French border.