A ski gondola came loose and tumbled down Mt Titlis at the Engelberg resort in central Switzerland on Wednesday, killing a 61-year-old local woman.
Police in the canton of Nidwalden say the cabin detached from its cable around 11:00 (10:00 GMT) as it climbed the middle section after leaving Trübsee station.
Dramatic footage from the scene shows the gondola flipping several times before coming to rest in deep snow.
Eyewitnesses reported powerful gusts on the mountain at the time of the accident.
Authorities later said winds exceeded 80 km/h, while the lift operator normally stops service once conditions top 60 km/h.
Rescue units including air ambulances, ground ambulances and police responded to the crash, and teams had to move through heavy snow to reach the wreckage.
Around 40 cabins on the line were halted and between 100 and 200 people were evacuated to safety after the incident.
A 14-year-old at a nearby ski camp and other visitors described being stunned and reluctant to use the lifts after watching the gondola fall.
Local officials confirmed the victim was alone in the cabin.
Lift operators expressed deep sorrow over the fatality and said they are cooperating with investigators.
Authorities have opened an inquiry to determine what caused the cabin to detach from the cable.
The Titlis Xpress service remains suspended as investigators and safety inspectors examine the line and review weather and operational records.
