An initial investigation into a chairlift accident at Sugarloaf Mountain has found that there may have been a design fault in the electrical systems of the lift.
The investigation found that there was a mechanical failure in a gearbox connected to the electric motor of the lift. Because of this failure, an electric switch prevented a safety system from locking. This same system is used on around 170 Borvig and Partek lifts in the USA.
Resorts that operate one of these lifts is being urged to carry out safety checks, but are not being recommended to take them out of service.