Cannon Mountain chairlift evacuated just days after Attitash incident

A tramway inspector responded to conduct an inspection of the Cannon Mountain lift, which was closed for the remainder of the day (Courtesy photo)

FRANCONIA - A joint investigation is under way after a Wednesday chairlift malfunction at Cannon Mountain.

The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. when a representative from the ski area notified the State Fire Marshal's Office about an evacuation of passengers on the Peabody Express Quad lift following a mechanical issue.

A tramway inspector responded to conduct an inspection of the lift, which was closed for the remainder of the day as the investigation continues.

No injuries were reported.

Wednesday's lift issue occurred four days after an incident at Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, in which a chair detached from the Flying Bear lift and fell around 20 feet to the ground. One person was on the chair at the time of the incident and suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Fire Marshals Office. The passenger, an adult male, was assisted by Ski Patrol and transported to an area hospital where he was treated and released. No other injuries were reported. Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears a mechanical failure caused one of the chairs to dislodge from the cable. Engineers employed by the manufacturer of the lift were on scene Wednesday along with a tramway inspector from the FMO to continue assisting in the ongoing investigation. The lift remains closed at this time.

State inspections of both lifts were performed within the past year, as required by the state. The Fire Marshal's Office and the Passenger Tramway Safety Board will remain in contact with representatives of both ski areas to ensure any necessary repairs are made.

Anyone with information that may assist either investigation is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.