SAM Magazine—Tremblant, Quebec, July 17, 2023—One person has died and another is in critical condition in a Montreal-area hospital after a piece of heavy construction machinery struck a cabin on the Panoramic gondola at Mont-Tremblant Resort on Sunday. 

Two people were riding in the cabin at the time of the crash. It’s believed the two were thrown from the cabin and fell several meters to the ground, according to reporting by the Montreal Gazette.

The cabin remained attached to the haul rope, but a photo posted to social media appears to show one side of the cabin, including a bench seat, apparently torn off and missing as a result of the impact. 

The type of construction equipment involved in the incident has not been reported, but officials at Mount-Tremblant have said the equipment was being operated by a third party.

The incident happened on the final day of a five-day international blues festival. Other riders on the lift were evacuated safely. The event was canceled shortly after the accident, and the gondola remains closed. 

A statement issued by Mont-Tremblant read in part: “We are saddened by this situation and Mont Tremblant offers its most sincere condolences to all those involved. The gondola remains closed until further notice.” 

The gondola can accommodate eight passengers per cabin and travels some 8,000 feet to Tremblant’s 2,870-foot summit. In the summer, it offers guest sightseeing and access to hiking trails. 

The incident is under investigation by the Quebec Provincial Police.