At least four people have died following a tragic cable car accident in Castellammare di Stabia, a popular tourist destination in southern Italy, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The cable car, which connects the town to Monte Faito, suffered a catastrophic failure when one of its supporting cables broke, causing the cabin to plummet from a significant height.
According to local authorities, four bodies were recovered from the wreckage, while a fifth individual, the cable car operator, was rescued in critical condition and airlifted to a nearby hospital. The accident occurred as the cable car was nearing the summit, with 16 passengers aboard at the time. This incident marks a devastating turn for a service that had only just reopened to the public a week prior, following a seasonal closure.
The cable car system, inaugurated in 1952, has had a relatively safe history, with only one previous fatal accident reported in 1960 when another cabin fell, resulting in four deaths. However, the recent tragedy has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols in place, particularly regarding the maintenance of the cables.
Local mayor Luigi Vicinanza reported that preliminary investigations suggest the traction cable broke, and although the emergency brake was activated, it failed to function in the cabin that fell. "It's a tragedy," lamented Umberto De Gregorio, president of the public transport company EAV, which operates the cable car service. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims in a social media post.
Rescue operations were challenging due to adverse weather conditions, including fog and strong winds, which hampered access to the second cabin that remained suspended in the air. More than 50 firefighters participated in the rescue efforts, which ultimately saved 16 passengers who were trapped in the cabin. Images from the scene showed emergency teams using safety harnesses to hoist passengers to safety one by one.
Vincenzo De Luca, the governor of the Campania region, confirmed that the rescue operations were complicated by the weather, stating, "The conditions were far from ideal for a rescue operation." He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of similar transport systems in the future.
The cable car's route spans approximately 3 kilometers with a vertical drop of 1 kilometer, providing breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples and the iconic Vesuvius volcano. However, the scenic nature of the ride has now become overshadowed by the tragedy.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are scrutinizing the maintenance records of the cable car system to determine if there were any lapses in safety checks. The cable car was subject to regular inspections, but the recent failure has prompted questions about the adequacy of these measures.
This incident recalls a similar tragedy in 2021 when a cable car accident in northern Italy claimed the lives of 14 people. The government has pledged to review safety regulations for cable car systems across the country to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of lives, the focus now shifts to the families affected and the ongoing investigation to ensure accountability and enhance safety protocols for cable car operations. The tragic event has left a profound impact on the local community, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures in tourist attractions.
In the wake of this tragedy, local officials are urging visitors to remain vigilant and prioritize safety when using cable car systems. The hope is that this incident will serve as a catalyst for change, leading to improved safety standards and protocols that protect passengers and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
