Montenvers construction site: fatal accident for two workers

Two young workers aged 22 and 23 died while working, after being swept away by the fall of a pylon, located downstream from the arrival station of the emblematic little red train leading to what remains of the Mer de Glace.

According to Le Dauphine, mobilized for the start-up of a ropeway, this temporary cable car which should make it possible to transport most of the materials necessary for the transformation of the site in a more ecological way, the two men who worked for a provider company of the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc were attached to the installation when, for a still unknown reason, one of the pylons was uprooted from its anchor points, propelling them violently towards the void.

The Montenvers site and neighboring trails closed this Thursday 28 July

A third worker was slightly injured during this double fatal accident which deeply shocked the teams of the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc and the companies working on this high-altitude site.

The Compagnie du Mont-Blanc informs that following this tragic accident, this Thursday 28 July, the site of the Montenvers will be closed. Access by train and gondola will be suspended, as well as visits to the Mer de Glace.

A judicial inquiry has been opened

The bodies of the two victims were evacuated at the end of the day before being taken care of by the funeral directors.

The labor inspector went on Wednesday evening to the scene. A judicial inquiry has been opened to determine the exact circumstances of this tragic accident.

“Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims, to the staff of the external company and to the staff of the Montenvers site, to whom we address our support”, assured the company in a press release.

This tragedy brings mourning to the transformation of this iconic site, which notably provides for the construction of a new gondola and a new glaciorium to sustain the access to the high mountains.

Source: @Le Dauphiné Libéré