A tragic incident occurred at the Savin Kuk ski resort in northern Montenegro on December 21, 2023, when a German tourist fell approximately 230 feet from a ski lift following a collision. The victim, a 34-year-old man from Germany, was riding alongside his wife, who sustained serious injuries during the accident.
Reports from several media outlets, including German newspaper Die Frankfurter Rundschau and Montenegrin sources Vijesti and Pobjeda, indicate that the incident involved two double chairlifts colliding during what appeared to be a routine day at the resort. It is believed that one of the cable car baskets slipped and struck the basket in front of it, leading to the tragic fall of the man.
At the time of the collision, the man’s wife, a 30-year-old German woman, remained trapped in the same basket. She has since been transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, including a fractured femur and a head injury.
Local authorities responded swiftly to the incident, shutting down the ski lift to facilitate a preliminary investigation into the cause of the crash. As a result, at least three other tourists became stranded on the lift for several hours until rescue workers successfully evacuated everyone involved. This evacuation took place amid challenging weather conditions in the rugged Durmitor region.
The local tourism office in Žabljak has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the incident, and the identities of the victims have not been publicly disclosed at this time.
Call for Investigation
Žabljak Mayor Rados Zugic has called for a thorough investigation into the accident, emphasizing the need for accountability. “We insist on a comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine who is responsible,” Zugic stated, highlighting the importance of understanding how such a tragic event could occur.
Montenegro, known for its stunning mountain terrain, has gained popularity in recent years as an affordable skiing destination. This incident raises concerns about safety protocols at ski resorts, particularly in a region that attracts significant numbers of tourists each winter.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of visitors to Montenegro’s ski resorts, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
