A tragic cable car accident near Naples, Italy, unfolded on April 18, 2025, claiming the lives of four individuals, including three foreign tourists. The incident occurred around 3 PM local time at Monte Faito, a popular tourist destination, when a cable snapped, causing a cabin to plunge to the ground just before reaching the mountain station.
The victims included two British tourists, one Israeli tourist, and a 59-year-old Italian employee of the cable car operator, EAV. A fifth passenger, a 30-year-old Israeli man, sustained serious injuries and is currently in critical condition at a hospital in Naples. According to reports, three of the deceased died at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries later.
The cable car had recently reopened on April 10, 2025, after its winter hiatus and was known for providing breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples and the iconic Mount Vesuvius. It has been in operation since 1952, attracting over 113,000 visitors last year alone. However, the cable car's history includes a previous fatal accident in 1960, which also resulted in four deaths.
Witness accounts from the incident reveal harrowing details. Among those rescued were German tourists, including a family with three children and two Erasmus students studying in Naples. One student recounted, "The cabin suddenly dropped. We hung in the air for a long time waiting for help. We were very scared," during an interview with the Italian broadcaster Rai.
Rescue operations were complicated by poor weather conditions, including dense fog and heavy winds, which delayed the arrival of emergency services. Helicopters were deployed, and rescuers managed to extract 16 people from two other cabins that had become stranded in the air due to the cable break. Local authorities confirmed that the emergency brakes in the valley functioned correctly, but the brakes on the cabin that fell did not engage.
Luigi Vicinanza, the mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, where the cable car is located, stated, "The cable broke for an unknown reason, and while the emergency brake in the valley worked, the cabin's brake did not. The cabin was about to enter the mountain station when the incident occurred." This statement has prompted an investigation by the Naples public prosecutor's office to determine the cause of the cable failure and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
In light of the tragedy, the head of EAV, Umberto De Gregorio, expressed his shock and emphasized that the accident was not a result of adverse weather conditions. He noted that the system is designed to halt operations automatically in such conditions, and it did not trigger on the day of the accident.
Historically, cable car safety has come under scrutiny in Italy. The 2021 Lago Maggiore cable car disaster, which resulted in 14 fatalities, was attributed to a cable break and malfunctioning emergency brakes. This incident has reignited discussions about the safety regulations governing cable cars in Italy.
As the investigation continues, the local community mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the implications of this tragic event. The cable car, a symbol of the region's natural beauty and a vital tourist attraction, now faces a critical examination of its safety protocols and operational procedures.
Authorities are expected to provide updates on the investigation as they seek to uncover the details surrounding the cable car's failure. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are left to cope with their unimaginable loss, and the community reflects on the fragility of life amidst the backdrop of Italy's stunning landscapes.
