The sole rider of a gondola that crashed at Mount Titlis in Central Switzerland is confirmed to be dead following the accident. The crash was due to strong winds sweeping through the area on Wednesday.
Video and eyewitness from the scene show the gondola rolling down the snowy mountain multiple times before it comes to a complete stop. At that point witnesses and emergency crews rushed to her aid, unfortunately to no avail.
Authorities have confirmed the identity of the woman. She was 61 years of age and a local to the area. Currently, the Nidwalden Public Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board, is investigating the accident to figure out exactly how this tragedy happened.
Emergency responders were on the scene almost immediately, due to the Rega Air Rescue Service. Once on the scene, CPR and other lifesaving measures were taken.
Photo by Ennio LEANZA / AFP via Getty Images
Almost immediately after the crash, the remaining passengers on other gondolas were evacuated, which was confirmed by the cable car operator Titlis Bergbahnen.
As of right now, it is believed weather played a role in the crash.The resort closed its Titlis Xpress Trübsee cable car due to the strength of the winds.
The gondola system was manufactured by Garaventa, which acknowledged the accident but said it is too early to determine what caused the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.