Helicopter rescue as 240 skiers evacuated from chairlift collapse
In Le Dévoluy, France, a chairlift malfunctioned, requiring the evacuation of 240 skiers by helicopter.
On Tuesday, December 24, in the high Alps, the Festoure chairlift experienced electrical problems. According to BFMTV, there were 240 people on the lift at the time.
A rescue operation was quickly organized. Rescuers and lift employees arrived on site to assist the trapped skiers.
"The evacuation is almost complete. Only a few people remain on the lift," reported Alexandra Butel, the mayor of Dévoluy, in a conversation with BFMTV.
Assistance for the evacuated
The authorities assured that there was no danger to the skiers.
The statement indicated, "Weather conditions are favorable and should not change." The evacuation was carried out using a helicopter, with gendarmes, firefighters, and rescue services participating.
"This rarely happens; it's an exceptional situation for us," admitted the mayor of Dévoluy. Local authorities organized help for the evacuated individuals.
