On April 17, 2025, a tragic accident unfolded near Naples, Italy, when a cable car connecting Castellamare di Stabia to the summit of Mount Faito fell, resulting in the deaths of four people and leaving another seriously injured. The incident occurred just after 3:00 PM local time, when one of the cables on the cable car broke, causing two cabins to become suspended in mid-air, trapping 16 individuals, including tourists and cable car staff.
According to reports from local media, the cable car, managed by Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV), had only recently reopened for the tourist season, having been closed for winter. Eyewitnesses and officials described the scene as chaotic, with rescue operations hampered by heavy fog and strong winds.
Initial reports indicated that three people had died, but as rescue teams conducted their operations, they discovered a fourth victim, bringing the total fatalities to four. Among the deceased were three tourists and the driver of the cable car, who was also the seriously injured individual taken to the Hospital del Mar in Naples.
The accident occurred when the cable, which is responsible for pulling the cabins along the line, snapped. As a result, one of the cabins, which was closer to the summit, fell completely after losing communication with the ground. The other cabin, carrying 11 people, was successfully rescued after several hours of being suspended.
Local authorities, including the president of the Campania region, Vincenzo De Luca, expressed their condolences and concern over the incident, labeling it a "tragedy." He emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough investigation into the cable car's safety protocols and operational history.
Matteo Salvini, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, has called for an immediate report on the cable car system to determine the cause of the accident and any potential liabilities. He stated, "We must ensure that such tragedies do not happen again. The safety of our citizens and tourists is paramount." The Public Prosecutor's Office of Torre Annunziata has also announced that it will open an investigation into the incident.
This is not the first time the cable car has faced serious issues. A previous accident in August 1960, caused by human error, resulted in four deaths and 31 injuries when a cabin failed to stop and crashed into the ground. The cable car system, inaugurated in 1952, has been a popular attraction for tourists seeking breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples and the surrounding landscape.
As the rescue operations concluded, the focus shifted to the investigation and the mourning of those lost. Local media reported that the cable car was regarded as a "hidden gem" for tourists, with excursions priced between 35 and 50 euros, offering visitors a unique experience to enjoy the stunning vistas from over 1,100 meters above sea level.
In light of this tragic event, many are questioning the safety measures in place for such attractions and whether enough is being done to prevent future accidents. The cable car's brief reopening after the winter closure has raised concerns about the adequacy of inspections and maintenance protocols.
As the community mourns the victims, the focus will remain on understanding how such a catastrophic failure could occur and ensuring that safety is prioritized in the future. The investigation will likely scrutinize the cable car's operating history, maintenance records, and the response protocols in place for emergencies.
In the coming weeks, more information will emerge as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the accident. For now, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with cable car systems, particularly those that transport individuals to high-altitude destinations.
