Several rescued from chairlift at Heavenly Mountain Resort on Sunday

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. – Several people were evacuated from the Comet Express chairlift at Heavenly Mountain Resort on Sunday after a mechanical malfunction caused the lift to stop operating.

Heavenly operations staff immediately responded to the lift and started the evacuation of all guests from the lift, using rope harnesses to lower the skiers and riders to the ground, 20 to 40 feet below.

There were no injuries reported.

Witnesses said the staff got everyone down quickly and very efficiently.

Heavenly lift maintenance personnel are currently assessing the mechanical issue
and stoppage, and will continue to work in conjunction with state and regulatory
agencies until all issues are resolved. The Comet Express is one of the most popular lifts on the Nevada side of the resort.

"Heavenly Mountain Resort extends its apologies to the guests who were
inconvenienced by this event," said Kevin "Coop" Cooper, Sr. Communications Manager for the resort. "The safety of our guests and staff is our highest priority, and we plan to resume normal operation of the Comet Express Chairlift as soon as the mechanical issue is resolved and the chair is determined to be safe for operation."

It is unknown when the 28-year-old lift will be back in operation.

Cooper didn't release the number of guests involved.