Chair lift at Sugarloaf Mountain stopped on Saturday morning . Began traveling down mountain backward , prompting riders to jump off . Seven people were injured ; eight were taken to hospital , officials evacuated . Riders who were still on - duty when lift finally stopped were evacuated . U.S. Alpine Championships scheduled to take place at Sugarloaf in days .
Chair lift at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort malfunctioned Saturday morning . Began traveling down mountain backward , prompting riders to jump off . Seven people were wounded ; three were taken to hospital , officials said . Riders who were still on-board when lift finally stopped were evacuated . U.S. Alpine Championships scheduled to take place at Sugarloaf in days .