Alpine center in Østfold faces indictment over fatal ski lift accident
An 18-year-old died while performing maintenance on a ski-lift at an Østfold alpine centre, which has been indicted for serious breaches of safety legislation.
During maintenance work on a ski-lift’s upper station, an 18-year-old was caught in the machinery and died. The incident occurred after a staff member entered an unlocked cabin and activated the lift while the emergency stop circuit was already triggered. Authorities have indicted the alpine centre for serious infringements of the Working Environment Act and the Ropeway Act, highlighting missing safety procedures, poor staff training, and the illegal use of a person under 18 as a lift operator.
The indictment will be examined by Søndre Østfold tingrett, where a judge will decide on possible penalties. Prosecutor Kari Hangeland Buvik said the court will determine the appropriate sanction. The centre’s attorney, Gaute Nilsen, has not commented on the charges. Earlier investigations by the State Accident Commission identified multiple safety failures at the site.
Why it matters
The case highlights critical safety lapses in recreational facilities and legal accountability for workplace violations.
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