Dozens rescued by N.H. fire officials after ski lift malfunctions in bitter cold

Local News

With three fire departments working together, nearly 60 people were rescued from the lift in under an hour and a half.

Emergency crews in New Hampshire made a speedy rescue Thursday when they had to save nearly 60 people who were stuck on a malfunctioning ski lift.

Fire officials from Lyme, Hanover, and Thetford, along with police officers from Lyme and Orford, responded to the Dartmouth Skiway in Lyme Center to help the Dartmouth Ski Patrol after a lift malfunctioned, the Lyme Fire Department said on Facebook.

Responders from the three fire departments quickly began bringing the stranded skiers down from their chairs.

Working together, the crews evacuated 59 people in under an hour and a half, the Hanover Fire Department said on Facebook. Everyone was rescued before dark thanks to a “quick, safe and efficient” operation, according to Lyme fire officials.

One rescued skier was later taken to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for treatment, according to the Lyme Fire Department. The rest of the people on the lift were checked for injuries and brought back to the main lodge to warm up.

“Thank you to all responders who came to assist the efforts of the Lyme Fire Department and the Dartmouth Ski Patrol,” Lyme Fire Chief Aaron Rich said in the statement. “It was an impressive cohesive effort by many teams working together from multiple agencies.”