Dozens of people were rescued, including one person who had to be hospitalized, after a chairlift at Dartmouth Skiway in New Hampshire malfunctioned in frigid conditions. Local firefighters responded to the scene and worked with Dartmouth Ski Patrol to execute a technical rope rescue. In total 59 guests were evacuated in the 90 minute operation.
Emergency crews evaluated all of the skiers for cold-weather injuries and everyone was brought everyone to the main lodge to warm up. One person was ultimately taken to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the chairlift malfunction has not been specified.
Lyme Fire Statement:
Lyme Fire and EMS responded along with Hanover and Thetford Fire and Lyme and Orford PD to the Dartmouth Skiway to assist the Dartmouth Ski Patrol with a lift malfunction requiring extrication.
The Dartmouth Ski Patrol identified the number of individuals requiring extrication from the chair lift and along with technical rescue team members from Lyme, Hanover and Thetford quickly and efficiently began removing occupants from the chairs.
All 59 occupants on the lift were removed in 90 minutes then checked for any potential cold weather injuries by EMS and brought to the main lodge to meet family and rewarm. One patient ultimately was transported to DHMC for treatment.
The operation was completed with quick, safe and efficient work by all rescuers. All operations occurred before dark with no injuries reported to any responders.
Thank you to all responders who came to assist the efforts of the Lyme Fire Department and the Dartmouth Ski Patrol. It was an impressive cohesive effort by many teams working together from multiple agencies.
Aaron Rich, Lyme Fire Chief
