Thredbo ski resort says 'freak' gust of wind caused accident on Kosciuszko chairlift
Thredbo Ski Resort says a chairlift accident that left snowboarders with back and facial injuries was caused by a "freak gust of wind".
SafeWork NSW is investigating after a chairlift on the Kosciuszko Quad Express fell several metres onto the snow near Eagles Nest at around 2.20pm yesterday.
Three boarders were plunged to the ground as they approached the top of the mountain.
Two women in their 20s were taken to Canberra Hospital by helicopter with back injuries and a man in his 20s was taken to Cooma Health Service with facial injuries.
Thredbo Resort said the accident was caused by a "freak gust of wind" and no other chairs were affected.
"The incident is currently being thoroughly investigated by SafeWork NSW and an independent engineer," the resort said in a statement.
"There were no major injuries caused, and the three guests involved are being looked after by the team."
The Kosciuszko chairlift — which is Australia's longest at almost two kilometres — will remain closed while investigations take place.
The chairlift was built 33 years ago.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded wind gusts of 54 kilometres per hour at Thredbo Top Station around 2.07pm yesterday.
Winds are forecast to be north-westerly 5 to 40 kilometres per hour today.
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