Skiers Left Stranded On Boyce Park Lift Again

PLUM BORO (KDKA) - Officials with the Parks Department of Allegheny County have announced that the ski lift at Boyce Park is closed until further notice.

The decision comes after more than 30 people became stranded on the lift, some for more than an hour, Saturday evening following another apparent malfunction.

Rescue crews used rope and a pulley system to bring them down.

Authorities say the many of the skiers were very cold, but unhurt following the incident.

State officials have inspected the ski left twice already this winter. The repeated incidents have left many skiers frustrated.

"I was wondering if it was going to break down again because I knew it broke down before," said Brittany Lenkiewicz, of Murrysville. "So, I told him that I was scared and it actually happened."

"We were up there the longest," said Sam Kubas, of Murrysville. "It was cold and my knees hurt because the boots were heavy."

The park manager declined to be interviewed Saturday night.

Back on Jan. 8, about 100 skiers were stranded after officials said that someone fell at the top of the lift, grabbed the chair and pulled it sideways, only to pull the cable off the guide wheel.

The lift was closed, repaired, inspected and then reopened. However, on Jan. 12, about 40 skiers had to be rescued after another reported malfunction with the cable.

There were no injuries in that incident either, but officials with the Allegheny County Public Works Department were frustrated after getting the green light to reopen.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.