This is the moment skiers are hurled from a malfunctioning chairlift which suddenly began reversing and accelerating to twice the normal speed.

At least ten people were injured in the accident at a ski resort in Gudauri, Georgia, located on the south-facing plateau of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range.

Two of the victims suffered serious injuries, one of them is a pregnant tourist from Sweden.

The malfunctioning lift - operating much faster than normal - sent skiers flying in all directions

A video of the accident posted online shows how the defect suddenly made the lift go into reverse.

The lift accelerated to twice the normal speed, throwing people off of their chairs in all directions as they reached the bottom of the slope.

Eyewitness Iryna Iadak, from Ukraine, was on the lift and told CNN: 'The movement of the lift stopped and a minute later we drove back.

'The speed increased, it was out of control. The lift could not be stopped.

'People began to jump from different altitudes, panic began. Many did not manage to jump off and were thrown out from the impact.'

It is thought that the accident may have been caused by the lift's breaks not working properly or by a voltage fluctuation

Eight people were injured in the incident, with the two most seriously hurt being taken to the capital Tbilisi for treatment

The Swedish Foreign office has confirmed that a citizen suffered injuries, and Aftonbladet reported that the woman is pregnant and had been staying in a hotel at the resort with her partner.

Authorities say they have launched a criminal investigation and anyone found responsible will be punished.

Health Minister David Sergeenko said the seriously injured pair will be transported to the capital Tbilisi for 'special rehabilitation and treatment'.

Terrifying: A video taken from a different angle shows skiers leaping off chairs as they hurtle backwards towards the bottom station

Some have speculated that a voltage fluctuation or brake issues may have been the cause of the malfunction

The exact reason for the accident has yet to be determined, although the finance ministry is reported to have contacted the ski-lift producer, the Austrian Doppelmayr Garaventa group, for them to offer an explanation.

It is speculated that a voltage fluctuation or brake issues may have been the cause.

Skiing in Georgia is becoming increasing popular, with a growing number of foreign tourists taking advantage of its relatively cheap prices.



