News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A ski lift at a popular resort has malfunctioned leaving 20 people pinned in their chairs, it has been reported.

There are reports of multiple injuries after the incident on Tussey Mountain, in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, after emergency services were called to the lift.

But the company has already been forced to apologise after using the hashtag #sorry in a statement on the incident.

Tussey Mountain resort said on their Twitter page: "Having difficulties with the chairlift... we are working on it now. May not be able to run it today. Stay tuned... #sorry."

Visitors to the resort were angered after the statement appeared to come across as insincere.

One Twitter user, wrote in reply: "My husband, your employee is sitting here in the ER. So is another employee... Sorry??? How about you show some concern for the employees and other people injured???"

(Image: Alexis Wainwright) (Image: Alexis Wainwright)

Another added: "They hashtag something when their chairlift collapsed and people are hurt. #noclue."

It's believed several chairs slipped on the cable, causing them to collide with each other during the incident.

Six ambulances, police officers and multiple fire engines were on the scene.

State College Police confirmed that five people are injured, and some skiers are still being rescued from the lift.

Their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Tussey Mountain later apologised for their initial statement, writing: "At the time the office was notified of a lift malfunction and when this original tweet was made, we were under the impression it was solely a lift issue and there were no injuries.

(Image: Alexis Wainwright) (Image: Alexis Wainwright) (Image: facebook)

"We apologize to anyone who was offended by our hashtag."

The temperature on the mountain is just 1C.

Tussey Mountain later added in a statement on their Twitter account: "There has not been a collapse.

"Our ski patrol, EMS and staff are working on evacuating anyone on the lift, off. But all chairs are still on the lift, towers still standing.

"Still waiting on official word."

Today marks the opening weekend for the resort, which has been posting updates of the state of the ski slope on its Instagram page.

Earlier this week, an update on the account read: "Cold temperatures are finally here! The snowmakers have been working hard and will continue to make snow.

"December 16-17 we will be OPENING! 9am - 5pm both days!!!"