Six workers are injured in a cable car accident in the French Alps

PARIS (AP) — Six workers were injured Tuesday, two seriously, in a cable car accident at the Val Thorens ski resort in the French Alps, authorities said. None of the injuries are life-threatening.

The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. in challenging weather conditions at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), according to a statement from the Savoie prefecture or regional administration. A cabin of the Cime Caron cable car, used for construction work, hit the arrival station with 16 workers on board.

Emergency services including firefighters, paramedics, ski patrols and high mountain rescue teams were deployed to the scene. The injured workers were evacuated using a nearby gondola, officials said.

The prefecture has set up a crisis management cell and a “mass casualty plan” to coordinate rescue efforts.

Val Thorens is an exceptionally high ski station in the Alps, making it a mecca for skiers who want guaranteed snow as climate change hits resorts at lower altitudes. With 150 kilometers of pistes at altitudes ranging from 2,300 meters to 3,200 metres, it attracts skiers from all over Europe and is part of the 3 Vallées group of ski areas which also includes chic Courchevel and Méribel – winter playgrounds for the rich and famous.

The Cime Caron Cable Car was once the longest in the world at the time of its construction in 1982, according to the resort’s website.

The accident happened four days before the resort’s opening for the winter season, on November 23.