The Associated Press is reporting more than 50 persons had to be rescued after a gondola tower collapsed at Whistler, BC. At least five persons were reported taken to hospital.

Whistler will host the alpine skiing events for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The Associated Press is reporting more than 50 persons had to be rescued after a gondola tower collapsed at Whistler, BC. At least five persons were reported taken to hospital.

Whistler will host the alpine skiing events for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

A support tower near the bottom of the Excalbur lift over Fitzsimmons Creek collapsed stranding skiers 30 feet off the ground. A crane was brought it to support Tower Four as rescue workers scrambled to evacuate the lift. A couple of gondola cars were said to be in precarious positions, one overhanging the creek and another over a bus barn.

The lift carries skiers from Whistler Village to the top of Blackcomb Mountain.