Alpine paradise was smothered at 60mph

Article Abstract:

At least 10 people have been killed by an avalanche in the valley in which the ski resort of Chamonix, France, is located. The avalanche hit the bottom of the valley at an estimated 60mph, crushing 18 chalets in the hamlet of Montroc and continuing up the opposite slope. The highest level of avalanche alert had been given the previous day, but it was not thought that Montroc was in danger. Information collected over many years about the safe and dangerous areas for avalanches may prove increasingly useless as snow falls in the Alps become greater and come later in the season.

Amusement and recreation, not elsewhere classified, Skiing Facilities, Ski Areas, Natural disasters, Avalanches, Sports facilities, Chamonix Valley

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What can we learn from this?

Article Abstract:

The fire in the Mont Blanc tunnel near Courmayeur, Italy, in Mar 1999 became so severe partly because officials at the Italian end of the tunnel blew fresh air into the tunnel, thus creating a furnace effect. The preliminary report into the disaster, in which at least 41 people died, also indicates that there was poor coordination between Italian and French officials. It is clear that the priority of both France and Italy was to derive maximum profit from the tunnel, and that safety issues were given relatively little attention.

Italy, Accident Victims, Safety and security measures, Investigations, Column, Fires, Tunnels

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Alpine cable car disaster kills 20

Article Abstract:

Several of the 20 people killed in a cable car accident in Etienne-en-Devoluy, in the southern French alps, came from the small town itself. All the victims were commuting to work at a radio-astronomic observatory at 8,900 ft. Witnesses report that the cable car appeared to run backwards before breaking from the three cables and falling to the ground. There will be a criminal and a public investigation into the disaster.

Product standards, safety, & recalls, Local Transit, Urban Transit Systems, Transportation industry, Accidents, Light rail vehicles

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