A woman with multiple sclerosis falls twice from a chairlift while getting on and off: life-threatening prognosis

The victim's vital prognosis is compromised. Unsplash illustration. -Joshua Sukkof

On the weekend of February 18, 2024, a 71-year-old woman fell twice from a chairlift, the first time while trying to climb inside, the second while exiting. Suffering from multiple sclerosis, the victim was placed in an artificial coma and his life prognosis is in jeopardy. 

This weekend, at the Orcières ski resort in the Hautes-Alpes, a 71-year-old woman suffering from multiple sclerosis was seriously injured after two falls from the chairlift.

Moving in an adapted armchair with the help of two volunteers from an association, she fell from the machine by trying to get in and then getting out a few minutes later. She was placed in an artificial coma, deplores BFMTV.

Two consecutive falls

The skier suffers from multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease of inflammatory origin which affects the nervous system and can lead to disability.

The victim first fell to the ground when boarding. She quickly received assistance from trackers who helped her get on board. As she was about to descend, she fell a second time, taking her two companions with her. 

The vital prognosis of this septuagenarian from Bouches-du-Rhône is in jeopardy. She was hospitalized and placed in an induced coma. 

An open investigation

"I would like to inform you that the investigation is underway and has been entrusted to the brigade community of Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur. We are awaiting news from the victim and technical examinations will also take place, confirms to our colleagues Marion Lozac'hmeur, the Gap prosecutor.

Our colleagues also indicate that an investigation has been opened to find out what could have happened at the time of the accident. Witnesses were interviewed to understand how the terrible fall could have happened. The helmet she wore as well as the adapted chair she used will be examined. The first findings rule out the responsibility of the station in the accident.