Boy critically ill after ski lift horror
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A British teenager is in a critical condition tonight after he was left hanging from a chairlift during a school ski trip to the Alps, police said.
The 14-year-old found himself suspended by his own clothing after he failed to free himself from a metal seat yesterday afternoon in the Portes du Soleil.
He was later cut free and resuscitated by a rescue team as holiday-makers looked on in horror from the slopes below.
The youngster, who has not been named, was skiing with classmates in the popular resort of Chatel, when he took the Echo des Montagnes chairlift at about 1pm.
Local police said he was unable to get off his seat and remained on the lift as it went back down the mountain.
Moments later he fell towards the piste.
Emergency crews treated him at the scene before he was airlifted to hospital in Annecy.
Police have now launched an investigation to find out how he became caught.
A spokesman said: "The boy was sitting on the chairlift and he failed to get off at the top.
"For some unknown reason, he was hanging from the seat as it went back down.
"An investigation has now been opened."
The group from the school, which has not been named, had been skiing at an altitude of around 2,000 metres (6,500ft) when the accident happened.
The pistes in that area are not regarded as particularly challenging.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments