RCMP takes over Sea to Sky Gondola collapse investigation

Aug 10 2019, 7:31 pm

UPDATE at 4 pm: In a press conference, Squamish RCMP said they believe the gondola line was cut in an act of sabotage. The investigation continues; hikers and campers in the area at the time with any information are being asked to come forward.


ORIGINAL STORY:

Squamish RCMP announced early this afternoon they are taking over the investigation of the early-morning collapse of the Sea to Sky Gondola’s cables.

The gondola line collapsed, causing the cabins along the line to plummet to the ground. The attraction will be closed for the foreseeable future due its inaccessibility as a result of the significant damage.

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Our investigation is in the preliminary stages and the cause is undetermined. Right now we are looking at all possibilities which includes those criminal in nature, said Cst. Ashley MacKay of the Squamish RCMP in a statement.

Sea to Sky Gondola collapse

Photo of cabins on the ground and detached cables from the Sea to Sky Gondola’s overnight collapse on August 10, 2019. (John Barry)

Police say they responded to the incident just before 9 am. Early in the morning at 4:30 am, an employee working at the summit of the attraction heard a loud bang and discovered the damage.

The gondola was not running at the time, and there were no injuries.

RCMP are asking the public to stay away from the area, which includes all trails that have accessibility to the gondola.

In their investigation, police are working with the gondola operators, Work Safe BC, and Technical Safety BC.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to reach out to Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100 or Crimestoppers’ anonymous hotline at 1-800-222-8477.

The gondolas were fabricated by Austrian manufacturer Doppelmayr and feature floor-to-ceiling Plexiglass windows. The attraction first opened in the spring of 2014.

Each one-way gondola ride to an elevation 885 metres above the sea level of Howe Sound takes 10 minutes. It provides access to the summit’s sightseeing experiences, including viewing platforms, a suspension bridge, walking trails, and dining facilities at the summit lodge.

Sea to Sky Gondola collapse

The Sea to Sky Gondola line collapsed, causing the cabins to drop to the ground, on August 10, 2019. (Squamish RCMP)

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Kenneth ChanKenneth Chan

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