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64 passengers evacuated from Cannon Mountain ski lift after ‘mechanical issue’
Cannon Mountain, a state-run ski area in Franconia, said “a bolt affixed to the power take-off shaft” on the lift failed.
More than 60 passengers were evacuated using rope after a ski lift malfunctioned at Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire Wednesday morning, officials said.
Cannon Mountain, a state-run ski area in Franconia Notch State Park, said “a bolt affixed to the power take-off shaft” on the Peabody Express Quad lift failed around 10:13 a.m., according to a statement posted on the mountain’s website.
Cannon’s ski patrol and other operations personnel used ropes to evacuate the 64 passengers by 12:23 p.m. Videos shared by local news outlets show ski lift passengers being pulleyed down from a stationary chairlift.
“While all chairlifts and equipment at Cannon undergo regular inspection and testing, mechanical issues can occasionally occur,” Cannon Mountain’s statement said.
The lift, which travels from the Peabody Base Lodge and the Chase Flint Patrol Cabin, will remain closed Wednesday and Thursday.
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Cannon Mountain, the state’s highest ski summit, reduced lift operations across the area with service continuing at the Mittersill Double, Tuckerbrook, Eagle Cliff, and Zoomer lifts.
The incident comes days after a guest at Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, New Hampshire fell 20 feet when a chair dislodged from a lift.
The man was released from the hospital, and the investigation of the Flying Bear lift is ongoing, the state’s Fire Marshal’s Office said Monday. Attitash is operated by Vail Resorts.
Cannon offered all guests at the mountain a refund or credit, as well as “complimentary hospitality at the base area.”
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