21 people were stuck on the tram cars at Sandia Peak, NM for 12 hours following a New Year’s Eve party at a restaurant on the mountain’s peak. Reports suggest that a severe winter storm rolled in around 10PM on New Year’s Eve.
The storm brought severe winds, and loaded the cables with ice forcing the tram operator to stop the lift. It then took officials 12 hours to execute search and rescue operations for the passengers. They were eventually lowered from the tram car using ropes, and were flown off the mountain by a nearby helicopter.
The passengers used blankets and provisions that are stored on the tram cars to wait for rescue crews to arrive. Thankfully everybody is safe and healthy after what must have been a dreadful experience.
Check out the news report from KRQE below for more information on the rescue.
Featured Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Colleen Elvidge, AnnaCummingsPhotography