Shocking Footage Shows Chairlift Collapse at Russian Resort

Over a month ago, on August 8, 2025, a chairlift collapsed at a resort in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria Region.

Footage from the accident recently surfaced on social media, showing the chairlift’s lower terminal falling and nearly hitting a passenger, who the lift attendant quickly pulled out of the way. The video is embedded below. Tap or click to watch. Keep reading for more information.

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TASS, a Russian News Agency, reported that eight people were injured in the accident. No fatalities were reported. Two people were discharged from the hospital after a check-up. Another, according to TASS, underwent a CT scan that detected a spinal cord injury. 

At least one person was taken to an intensive care unit and was in serious condition.

The Russian Emergencies Ministry’s directorate for the region received a report of the collapse at 5:45 p.m. local time, TASS reported. Rescuers were dispatched immediately afterwards.

21 people were on board the chairlift, with 13 being evacuated by first responders.

Emergency services told TASS that the “wear and tear” on the chairlift’s cables was believed to be responsible for the failure. In August, investigators opened a criminal case and were working to determine the accident’s cause.

“During the investigation, all other versions will be considered,” a source in the emergency services said at the time, according to TASS.

Additional footage from the chairlift collapse published by Metro appeared to show the cables bouncing violently and plunging some passengers into a lake. In the video, one passenger was shown dangling in the air.

How Common Are Chairlift Malfunctions in North America?

Last winter, in North America, several chairlift malfunctions made headlines.

At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, British Columbia, a gondola carrying eight people fell a short distance to the snow. No one was seriously injured. After undergoing an inspection and repairs, the Golden Eagle Express gondola recently reopened on September 7, 2025.

At Attitash Mountain Resort, New Hampshire, the Flying Bear chairlift failed, releasing a chair that plunged 20 feet to the snow. One man was injured and later released from the hospital.

Fatalities caused by such accidents are rare, though, according to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). Between 1973 and 2024, nine mechanical malfunctions caused 16 fatalities across the U.S., per NSAA data. 

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