A tragic incident occurred at Engelberg ski resort in the Swiss Alps when a woman lost her life due to a ski gondola crash. The gondola detached from the cable under unclear circumstances around 11:00 am local time, as reported by the Nidwalden canton police.
Eyewitnesses noted strong winds at the time of the accident, with video footage showing the gondola tumbling down Mt Titlis and flipping multiple times. The victim, a 61-year-old woman from the region, was the sole passenger in the Titlis Xpress cart when it disconnected from the cable shortly after departing from the Trübsee station.
Emergency services, including air rescue, ambulances, and law enforcement, responded promptly to the scene for the rescue operation. Reports indicate that one skier observed strong winds and a sudden movement before the cable car plummeted down the mountain.
Ski lift management expressed their shock over the incident, with director Norbert Patt extending condolences to the victim’s family. Witness accounts, such as that of 14-year-old Beren Akkaya from a local ski camp, highlighted the fear and shock felt by those present.
As a safety measure, the cable car service was suspended, and efforts were made to safely evacuate an estimated 100 to 200 passengers from approximately 40 gondolas. The authorities are currently investigating the cause of the tragic accident.
