8 injured in Alps cable car accident at popular French ski resort

At least eight workers were hurt, with two sustaining serious injuries, following a cable car mishap at a French ski resort this morning (Tuesday, November 19). None of the injuries at Val Thorens are believed to be life-threatening

The incident took place at 7.30am amid tough weather conditions in the Alps, at an altitude exceeding 3,000 meters, as per the Savoie prefecture's announcement.

Used for construction work, a cabin of the Cime Caron cable car struck the arrival station while transporting 16 workers.

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Emergency services, including firefighters, paramedics, ski patrollers, and mountain rescue specialists, were deployed to evacuate those injured via an adjacent gondola, said authorities.

A crisis management team was established by the prefecture, alongside a 'mass casualty plan' to manage the rescue operations.

François Ravier, the prefect for the Savoy region, said the injured had been transferred to hospitals in Annecy and Grenoble. He did not give any details about the cause of the accident.

“It is too early to know the exact circumstances that led to this accident,” Ravier said. “We will have to wait for the preliminary results of the investigation.”

Val Thorens is an exceptionally high ski station in the Alps, making it a mecca for skiers wanting guaranteed snow as climate change hits resorts at lower altitudes. With 150 kilometers (93 miles) of runs at altitudes between 2,300 meters and 3,200 meters, it attracts skiers from across Europe and is part of the 3 Vallées grouping of ski resorts that includes the popular Courchevel and Méribel.

The Cime Caron cable car was once the longest in the world at the time of its construction in 1982, the resort's website says.

The accident happened four days before the opening of the resort for the winter season, on November 23.