Skiers and boarders on a chairlift in Gudauri Resort in Georgia in the former Soviet Republic were violently flung from the out control lift as it malfunctioned and rolled back at break neck speed.
Reports are 12 people were injured when the Doppelmayr lift went into meltdown with skiers and boarders shouting at those on the lift to jump off before risking carnage as the chairlifts collided in reverse.
Fortunately for all involved the injuries are said to be broken bones and bruises and no life threatening injuries for those involved from the Ukraine, Switzerland and Georgia.
Witnesses posted terrifying footage to social media during the two minutes it took to shut the lift down. Ian Shynkarenko posted this to his Facebook page.
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The Saddle lift has a top station at 3279 metres. Alena Pakhomova posted this on Instagram.
Witnesses were quick to attend to those flung from the chairlift while waiting for ski patrol and then rescue helicopters to arrive.
All skiers and boarders on the lift were rescued safely. An investigation has been launched into the malfunction and safety issues for the resort.
