Travis Faanes informed CNN that he was waiting in the queue for the Dipper Express chairlift when he heard a sudden exclamation of “Oh my God!” Turning to his right, he witnessed individuals plummeting and colliding with the ground below. “The chair unexpectedly slid backward with occupants still aboard, crashing into the one behind it,” Faanes recounted. “Those situated in the leading chair were thrown off due to the impact.” Faanes noted that the situation could have escalated to a more severe extent. “They are fortunate that this mishap occurred right at the commencement of the lift,” he remarked.
Brett Federico shared with CNN that he arrived promptly following the distressing episode. Federico observed rescue sleds transporting injured individuals down the mountain post-incident, noting the sight of one victim receiving assistance with oxygen as they passed by. “The experience was rather distressing,” Federico expressed. “The fear of a malfunctioning chairlift has always haunted me, and witnessing it unfold is even more harrowing.”
