SAM Magazine-Merrimac, Wisc., Dec. 18, 2009-A team of investigators including state inspectors, tramway experts and staff members of the Devil's Head resort are conducting an investigation into what led to the lift rollback accident at the resort on Thursday evening.

Resort general manager Joe Vittengl said that the resort's entire staff was deeply concerned for the resort guests who were injured in the incident. "We're contacting them and offering any assistance we can," Vittengl said. Most of the injuries were minor; one person remains under observation in an area hospital.

Vittengl said that the lift on which the incident occurred was run by a veteran operator. The lift had been inspected by an independent tramway engineer, per state regulations, on Nov. 5, prior to the start of the ski season. It was given clearance to operate. Vittengl also said that the lift's safety systems are routinely checked, even more frequently than industry standards require. Chairlifts of the type involved in the incident have four independent mechanisms to stop the lift in the event of an incident.

Even though all of Devil's Head's lifts were inspected before the start of the ski season, the resort will inspect all lifts again immediately. "We want our guests to have fun," Vittengl said. "But more importantly, we want them to be safe. It's our top priority."

The lift that experienced the rollback incident will remain out of service until the investigation is completed and repairs can be made. Other lifts at Devil's Head continue to operate on their normal schedule.

• Previous
  Crested Butte Appeals Snodgrass Decision
• Next
  Plake to Tout LASSM on "Today" in January