Industry News
A maintenance worker has died and another was seriously injured after a chairlift accident at Mt. Hood Skibowl in Oregon on Thursday morning, April 30, local police said.
Emergency crews were dispatched shortly before 9:30 a.m. on Thursday after a 911 caller reported that a maintenance basket had fallen from the Upper Bowl chairlift into steep, rugged terrain, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
Two employees were inside the basket at the time of the accident and suffered what John Wildhaber, Public Information Officer at Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office described as “traumatic” injuries. One worker was reported unconscious, and a third person at the scene began CPR before first responders arrived.
Deputies, multiple fire agencies, search and rescue teams, and U.S. Forest Service law enforcement responded, establishing a command post at the base of Skibowl East. Medics reached the injured workers shortly after 10 a.m. One was conscious and breathing, while the second had no pulse. Despite lifesaving efforts, the latter was pronounced dead at the scene.
The injured employee was transported by helicopter to a local hospital for treatment. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending notification of family members.
Located about 60 miles east of Portland on the slopes of Mount Hood, Mt. Hood Skibowl is one of Oregon’s oldest ski areas and is known for its extensive night skiing operations. The resort typically operates two base areas and a network of lifts and terrain serving a mix of beginner and advanced skiers. It had closed for the public season in February, and the lift involved in the incident was not carrying guests at the time. The resort had just suffered its worst season in history in which it was able to only open for 22 days in total.
No further details have been released as the investigation continues. This is an ongoing situation and SnowBrains will update readers as more information becomes available.
