Goldbelt Tram to remain closed at least until May 24 after accident last week that injured employees

Multiweek closure is to ‘investigate the issue and take any necessary corrective measures,’ according to company

Damage to the top right docking station at the Goldbelt Tram (left) and a cable car that hit the station at an accelerated rate of speed during an accident last week are seen on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

This article has been updated with additional information about damage to the top station and car docking there.

The Goldbelt Tram is scheduled to remain closed until May 24 following an accident last Thursday when one of the two passenger cars docked at the base station at an accelerated rate of speed, injuring employees in the car, Goldbelt Inc. announced Monday.

The closure is to "investigate the issue and take any necessary corrective measures to ensure the safety of our guests and employees," the Juneau-based Alaska Native corporation stated in a post on its Facebook page.

"The Tram is in the process of refunding all pre-paid tickets for visits scheduled during the closure period that were purchased through our website. If you purchased tickets through a third party, such as a cruise line, please contact that vendor directly for refund assistance."

The Goldbelt Tram on Thursday, April 30, 2026, shortly after one of its two cable cars docked at the base station at an accelerated rate of speed, resulting in two employees in the car being treated at Bartlett Regional Hospital. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

The accident occurred at about 9 p.m. last Thursday when five employees were taking one of the cars down from the mountain. Two were taken to Bartlett Regional Hospital after the impact at the base, where they were treated and released.

Damage occurred at both the top and bottom stations, due to both cars operating in tandem when the incident occurred.

Goldbelt has not specified the reason for the accident.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.