In a tragic incident on Thursday afternoon, April 17, 2025, a cable car cabin in Italy fell, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving one person seriously injured. The cable car, which connects the city of Castellammare di Stabia to Mount Faito in the Naples region, experienced a catastrophic failure when one of its cables broke while a cabin was descending towards the city.
The accident occurred at a low height above the ground, and while a second cabin with 16 passengers was halted on Mount Faito, the passengers of the fallen cabin were the ones affected by the disaster. Firefighters responded quickly, with more than 50 personnel involved in the rescue efforts. Fortunately, all 16 passengers in the cabin that had reached near the city were evacuated safely.
However, the rescue operations for the passengers in the suspended cabin were hampered by adverse weather conditions, including fog and rain, which delayed their evacuation. The local fire department reported that they were working diligently to secure the second cabin to prevent it from sliding into the valley.
The local prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the cause of the cable rupture. Authorities are considering various possibilities, including technical failure, human negligence, or maintenance issues. The cable car system, which began operations in 1952, had only recently reopened to the public just ten days prior to the accident.
Umberto de Gregorio, the president of the company managing the cable car, expressed his shock and sorrow over the incident. He stated, "The cable car reopened 10 days ago with all the safety conditions required by regulations. What happened today is an unimaginable tragedy, unpredictable, and we must certainly clarify it." His comments reflect the deep concern and responsibility felt by the management following this devastating event.
Political reactions came swiftly, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was visiting Washington at the time, expressing her condolences. In a statement released by her office, she said, "I wish to express, on behalf of the Italian government and in my personal capacity, my closeness and my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and the injured." This sentiment was echoed across various political lines, highlighting the collective grief felt across the nation.
As investigations continue, technical experts are expected to arrive at the scene to assess the situation and determine responsibilities. Authorities have prioritized ensuring the safety of passengers still in the area and preventing any further risk.
This incident is not the first of its kind for this cable car system. In 1960, a similar tragedy occurred when a cabin fell, resulting in the deaths of four people. More recently, in May 2021, another cable car accident in Stresa, in the Piedmont region, claimed the lives of 14 individuals when a cabin fell from its cable. Additionally, a historical incident in 1998 involved a U.S. military plane cutting a cable in the Dolomites, leading to the deaths of 20 passengers.
The history of cable car accidents raises concerns about safety standards and maintenance practices, particularly for systems that have been in operation for decades. The reopening of the cable car just days before the tragedy has prompted questions about its safety checks and the overall condition of the infrastructure.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on understanding what led to this catastrophic failure. The local community has been deeply affected, with the mayor of Castellammare di Stabia announcing the cancellation of all events planned for the Easter holiday in light of the tragedy.
The cable car, which spans nearly three kilometers, offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and has been a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety measures in public transportation systems.
In summary, the cable car accident in Naples has not only claimed lives but has also raised significant concerns regarding the safety and maintenance of cable car systems in Italy. As investigations continue, the hope is for answers that can prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure the safety of all passengers.
