A tragic cable car accident in southern Italy claimed the lives of four tourists on April 17, 2025, when the cable snapped, causing the cabin to plunge to the ground near Monte Faito, about 45 kilometers southeast of Naples. This incident occurred shortly after the cable car service reopened for the season, raising concerns about safety protocols.
The cable car, which is well-known for providing stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, was carrying tourists when disaster struck. According to local reports, the cabin was approaching the landing station when it suddenly fell, striking a pylon and descending at what witnesses described as "maximum speed" into the woods below.
Among the deceased were four tourists and the cable car's driver, while another individual was seriously injured and had to be airlifted to the Ospedale del Mare hospital in Naples. The mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, Luigi Vicinanza, confirmed that the traction cable had broken, stating, "The emergency brake downstream worked but evidently not the one on the cabin that was entering the station on the top of Faito." This raises serious questions about the maintenance and safety checks performed on the cable car.
Rescue operations were significantly hampered by poor weather conditions, including thick fog and strong winds, which limited access to the crash site. Emergency responders from Italy’s alpine rescue teams were deployed to assist in recovery efforts. The fog was so dense that it delayed the arrival of rescue services, making the situation even more critical.
In total, 16 passengers in a separate cable car were successfully rescued after their cabin became stranded mid-air. They were winched down one by one using harnesses, a process that was both tense and dangerous due to the situation. Video footage captured the harrowing moments of their rescue, showing passengers being lowered to safety.
Umberto De Gregorio, chairman of the EAV public transport company that operates the cable car, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, labeling it "a tragedy." He stated on social media that they were in the process of assessing the situation and would cooperate fully with any investigations.
As the investigation into the crash begins, local authorities are scrutinizing the cable car's maintenance history and safety protocols. It was noted that the cable car had reopened just a week prior after a winter closure, raising concerns about whether sufficient checks were conducted before resuming operations.
Vincenzo De Luca, the governor of Campania, commented on the situation, saying, "The fog and bad weather are hindering operations, but it could have been worse—many human lives were saved." He confirmed that the cable car had undergone maintenance, but the circumstances leading to the cable snapping are still unclear.
Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli also expressed his condolences, stating, "Monte Faito is a symbolic place. As a guardian of natural beauty, to see it today the scene of such a tragedy saddens us deeply. Our most sincere thoughts go to the community affected and to all those who are facing the consequences of this tragedy."
The Torre Annunziata public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the disaster. This inquiry will focus on the events leading up to the crash, including maintenance records and the operational status of the cable car.
This incident is reminiscent of a previous tragic cable car accident in Italy in 2021, which raised alarms about safety in the cable car industry. As authorities continue their investigation, the community mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the implications of this tragic event.
In the wake of this disaster, many are calling for stricter regulations and oversight for cable car operations to prevent future tragedies. The focus will not only be on recovery but also on ensuring that such a horrific event does not happen again.
As the investigation unfolds, the families of the victims are left to cope with their loss while the broader community reflects on the importance of safety in tourism-related activities. The tragic accident at Monte Faito serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with such thrilling experiences.
