Moments of great apprehension are being experienced in Macugnaga, in the Anzasca Valley in the Piedmont Alps, where an accident occurred on the Monte Moro cable car this morning. The episode occurred at the arrival station at over 2,800 meters above sea level, when a cabin during entry did not slow down properly, impacting against a station barrier. The impact caused the injury of some people and the immediate shutdown of the plant.
6 injured
Following the impact, from what we understand, six people needed help. Fortunately, none are life-threatening. The most delicate situation concerns a 59-year-old man, who suffered an injury to his arm, while the other passengers suffered only minor abrasions. First aid was provided directly at altitude, also thanks to the presence of medical personnel on site, before the injured were transferred via 118 helicopter rescue to the hospital facilities.
Passengers stranded: evacuation operations in progress
The accident resulted in the total blockage of the cable car, leaving around 90-100 people stuck at the summit, including children. All passengers were unharmed, but unable to return to the valley by ordinary means. For this reason, a detailed air evacuation plan has been prepared, coordinated by the Fire Brigade, Guardia di Finanza, Alpine Rescue and Carabinieri. The helicopters operated safely despite the difficult altitude conditions, gradually returning all people to the valley.
Statements from the management company
Filippo Besozzi, administrator of Macugnaga Trasporti e Servizi, the company that manages the plant, spoke about the incident. In a statement toHANDLEBesozzi spoke of a technical problem, explaining that the cabin “did not decelerate correctly upon entering the station“, activating the emergency systems. He also specified that the plant would not have suffered serious structural damage, but that in-depth checks will be carried out before any hypothesis of reopening.
The Monte Moro cable car is currently the only operational ski lift in the town. The accident therefore comes at a crucial moment for Macugnaga’s winter season, already marked by delays and pending authorizations. The reopening of the plant will be possible only after the authorization of the competent authorities, at the end of the technical checks.
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