A devastating cable car accident occurred in Italy’s Monte Faito mountain range near Naples, resulting in the deaths of at least four tourists.
The incident happened when a cable car cabin crashed to the ground after a wire snapped, leaving one person seriously injured and another missing.
Umberto De Gregorio, chairman of EAV public transport company, described the incident as “a tragedy”. Vincenzo De Luca, president of the Campania region, confirmed the victims were tourists and added that rescue operations were severely hampered by fog and high winds.
According to the mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, initial investigations suggest a traction cable snapped on the cable line. “The emergency brake downstream worked but not the one on the cabin that was about to reach the top of the hill,” he explained. The mayor insisted that the line is regularly checked for faults.
Rescue efforts were complicated, but sixteen passengers from a separate cabin near the mountain were safely evacuated via harnesses. A middle-aged male was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition.
Professor Emilia Rossi, an expert in aerial tramway engineering, highlighted the importance of rigorous safety standards and regular inspections. “The primary cable, haul rope or traction cable, is the lifeline of the system. Its integrity relies on meticulous inspection, maintenance, and strict adherence to manufacturers’ guidelines,” she emphasized ¹.
The incident has sparked an investigation, and authorities will review safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future ¹.