Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Thinkstock
Ecmweb 8728 Ski Resort Ryan Mcvay Istock
Ecmweb 8728 Ski Resort Ryan Mcvay Istock
Ecmweb 8728 Ski Resort Ryan Mcvay Istock
Ecmweb 8728 Ski Resort Ryan Mcvay Istock
Ecmweb 8728 Ski Resort Ryan Mcvay Istock

Electrical Problems to Blame for Woman's Fall at Ski Resort

Jan. 12, 2017
There were problems with the chairlift's electrical drive/control system.

Electrical problems caused a chairlift at a small Colorado ski resort to hit a support tower and topple a Texas woman to her death last month. The four-person chair carrying Kelly Huber, 40, and her two young daughters hit a support tower at Ski Granby Ranch about 90 miles west of Denver on Dec. 29, causing the family to fall about 25 ft onto hard-packed snow.

According to an Associated Press report, the woman died from a ruptured aorta and other traumatic injuries.

The Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board released a report this week stating that there were problems with the chairlift's electrical drive/control system that "contributed to a rare dynamic event that occurred on the lift at the time of the incident."

The report did not elaborate on the electrical problems.It concluded that the family, environmental factors and the weather did not play a role in the accident on the high-speed Quick Draw Express lift, which has been operating since late 1999, according to the AP report.

The lift has been closed since the accident, but it is expected to open Tuesday under restrictions. The resort has agreed to disconnect the electrical drive and operate the lift using diesel power. It also must increase inspections.

The investigation is ongoing.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.