Golden, B.C., ski gondola loaded with passengers falls to the ground
A gondola cabin crash at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
At the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, B.C., a frightening incident occurred when a gondola cabin crashed to the ground. Witness Scott Wilson recounted the harrowing moment when the cabin plummeted approximately three meters shortly after loading passengers and departing up the hill.
Wilson described the chaotic scene, stating, “Patrol responded quickly, and bystanders called 911. The doors of the cabin came ajar upon impact, trapping the occupants inside. Despite efforts to assist, the passengers remained trapped when my son and I left the area a few minutes later.”
Although the exact number of passengers inside the cabin and the extent of injuries are yet to be confirmed by the mountain authorities, Technical Safety B.C. reported that only minor injuries were sustained in the incident.
Incident details and aftermath
The Golden Eagle Express gondola crash occurred at 9:20 a.m. MT, leaving the cabin overturned in the snow, as depicted in photos of the scene. The Kicking Horse Mountain website reassured that their maintenance team promptly initiated passenger evacuation protocols and launched a thorough inspection to identify the root causes.
According to the resort’s website, a fully loaded Golden Eagle Express gondola cabin is designed to accommodate up to eight individuals. The incident unfolded on a busy morning following a fresh snowfall, leading to long lineups as visitors flocked to enjoy the pristine conditions.
As a result of the crash, the resort announced its closure for the day, with the Golden Eagle Express gondola remaining out of operation until further notice.
Resorts of the Canadian Rockies ownership
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is under the ownership of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, which also manages Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec. This conglomerate of resorts includes Fernie and Kimberley in B.C., Nakiska in Alberta, and Stoneham in Quebec, as indicated on their official website.
In light of the incident, Technical Safety B.C. (TSBC) has taken charge of investigating the crash. TSBC, a self-funded organization overseeing the safe operation of technical systems like gondolas, is collaborating closely with the resort operator to conduct a thorough inquiry.
Further updates on the investigation are expected once TSBC completes its assessment of the circumstances surrounding the gondola crash at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
