What was meant to be a relaxing afternoon at one of Russia’s scenic mountain resorts took a terrifying turn when a cable car malfunctioned in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria, injuring several people and sparking a criminal investigation.
The popular chairlift, which offers breathtaking views and a lift to Mount Malaya Kizilovka, suddenly broke down on Friday, leaving visitors not only injured but also stranded in mid-air.
The Moment Things Went Wrong
The incident happened around 5:45 p.m. Moscow time.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations in Kabardino-Balkaria, a cable snapped while the chairlift was in operation within the resort zone.
Rescue teams from multiple emergency agencies rushed to the scene within minutes of the report.
“As soon as we received the alert, emergency personnel were deployed,” the ministry confirmed in a statement.
How Many Were Hurt? Numbers Shift as Details Emerge
Initial reports suggested that up to ten people might have been hurt, with some reportedly falling from a height of five meters.
A few passengers were stuck mid-air as emergency crews worked to get them down.
However, the official injury count was later revised. Aleksei Kuznetsov, an aide to Russia’s Health Minister, clarified that six people had sustained injuries—thankfully, all were either light or moderate in severity.
Rescue Mission Wraps Up Successfully
There were 21 people riding the cable car at the time of the incident.
While eight were reported injured initially, rescuers successfully evacuated thirteen people who had been stranded.
By the evening, the rescue operation had been completed and the scene was secured.
Criminal Case Opened Over Safety Failures
Authorities aren’t treating the malfunction lightly.
Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case under Article 238 of the criminal code, which addresses the failure to meet safety standards in public services.
Forensic specialists and investigators are now digging into what exactly went wrong, while also interviewing witnesses and examining the condition of the cable car system.
A History of Trouble on This Cable Car
This isn’t the first time this particular cable car has made headlines for the wrong reasons.
Last summer, passengers had to be rescued after the system stalled.
And back in 2021, a more alarming event occurred—a grandmother and her grandson fell when the safety chain on their chair didn’t latch properly due to its short length.
That too resulted in a criminal investigation.
More Than Just a Ride—A Local Icon
The cable car is more than a simple tourist attraction.
It’s a well-known symbol in Kabardino-Balkaria, carrying guests to the summit of Mount Malaya Kizilovka, which stands 600 meters above sea level.
At the top, visitors can dine in a unique restaurant shaped like the head of Sosruko, a hero from local legend.
But while the destination might be captivating, repeated safety incidents have now cast serious doubts on the reliability of the ride.
The Stunning Region Behind the Headlines
Kabardino-Balkaria is a republic in the North Caucasus region of southern Russia.
Known for its rugged mountain ranges and alpine beauty, it’s home to Mount Elbrus—the highest peak in Europe at 5,642 meters (18,510 feet).
With 22 glaciers and rivers flowing from its slopes, it’s a hub for climbers and nature lovers alike.
The capital, Nalchik, is the heart of this region, attracting tourists year-round thanks to its natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
But incidents like this latest cable car failure raise real concerns about infrastructure safety in such remote yet popular spots.