SAM Magazine-Merrimac, Wisc., Dec. 18, 2009-At least 14 people were injured in a lift malfunction at Devil's Head Resort, Wisc., three of them seriously though not critically, after a lift rollback incident.

The lift, a 1970s Hall double, was full when it stopped and then started to roll back last night at about 7 p.m. All three brake systems failed, and 10 to 15 chairs rolled back through the terminal. Several deroped as they swung wildly around the bullwheel, some catching on the terminal skirting, which was also damaged. The haul rope itself deroped at the first tower above the terminal.

The lift was fully evacuated by 9 p.m. All of those admitted to the two area hospitals were released by Friday morning.

Witnesses described the rollback as very quick. Many people jumped from the lift while others were slammed into the bottom terminal, where most of the injuries occurred. Witnesses said that sparks were flying and they smelled smoke at the terminal. One described a "loud bang" and the smell of "burned rubber." The State Department of Commerce has taken charge of the investigation, but cause of the accident has not been determined.

The lift had been inspected as recently as last month by The Richardson Group, which had done annual inspections since 2007. The state last inspected the lift in 2006.

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