Six injured in Scottish chairlift accident

Five children and an adult have been taken to hospital after a chairlift derailed at a Scottish ski resort.

Three of the injured group were airlifted from the slope at the Lecht Ski Centre near Tomintoul, Aberdeenshire, while the others were taken by ambulance.

A spokeswoman for the Lecht centre said 36 other people who were stranded on the chairlift were rescued after the accident at around 3.25pm today.

A spokeswoman for the Lecht said: "All the casualties are in a stable condition, three were taken to hospital by helicopter and three by ambulance.

"Staff evacuated 36 people that were stuck on the other chairlifts and everyone was off the slope within an hour and 40 minutes.

"We don't know the reason for the accident, however the Health and Safety Executive and the Lecht will be investigating the cause."

Grampian Police, fire service and mountain rescue teams assisted with the rescue.

A force spokesman said: "Six people - five children and one adult - have been taken to hospital with what are believed to be non life-threatening injuries.

"Grampian Police and Braemar Mountain Rescue Teams were mobilised to assist with the rescue of those stranded.

"Units from Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service and local doctors were also called to the scene to assist.

"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident."

PA