A tragic cable car accident unfolded on Thursday afternoon, April 17, 2025, near Naples, Italy, leaving four people dead and one critically injured. The incident occurred at approximately 15:00 in Castellammare di Stabia, when a cable car cabin on Monte Faito plummeted after its traction cable broke, leading to a catastrophic fall.
The cable car, which had only reopened to the public a week prior after its winter break, was transporting four tourists and one operator when disaster struck. Eyewitnesses reported that the cabin first collided with a pylon before descending into a ravine, raising immediate concerns about the safety of the cable car system.
The accident occurred under adverse weather conditions, with dense fog significantly hampering rescue operations. The local fire department's helicopter eventually located the fallen cabin after hours of searching, during which time hopes remained that the cabin might still be suspended. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
Among the deceased was Carmine Parlato, an operator for the regional public transport company EAV, which manages the cable car service. The critically injured individual was airlifted to the Hospital del Mar in Naples, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on culpable homicide and culpable disaster, as they seek to determine the exact cause of the cable failure. Mayor of Castellammare, Luigi Vicinanza, confirmed the breakage of the traction cable and the failed activation of the emergency brake in the cabin that fell. In a statement, he expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.
This tragic event has drawn comparisons to a similar accident that occurred on August 15, 1960, when a cable car cabin detached and fell onto train tracks, resulting in four fatalities. The historical context adds a layer of poignancy to the current situation, as many locals recall the previous tragedy.
Umberto De Gregorio, president of EAV, described the incident as "unimaginable" and defended the competence of the staff operating the cable car, asserting that there were no indications to halt operations prior to the incident. Meanwhile, Matteo Salvini, Italy's Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, has demanded a swift and thorough report on the cable car's operational status and safety measures.
As rescue efforts continued, the emotional toll on the community was palpable. Two couples of tourists were among the deceased, who had set out for what was supposed to be a scenic and festive ride. The pain felt by their families and the broader community is profound, with many expressing disbelief that a newly reopened cable car could turn into a site of such tragedy.
In the aftermath of this disaster, the focus shifts toward uncovering the truth behind the cable break and ensuring that such an incident never occurs again. The sentiment among Italians is clear: a cable car that has just been reinaugurated should not become a suspended coffin on the mountain.
As investigations are underway, the authorities have cordoned off the area for safety and are appealing for any information that may assist in understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The community remains united in grief, hoping for answers and for the safety of future visitors to the popular tourist destination.
The cable car connects Castellammare di Stabia, located about 45 kilometers southeast of Naples, to the summit of Mount Faito, which rises over 1,100 meters above the Mediterranean Sea. This popular attraction draws many visitors, especially during the tourist season, which is now marred by this heartbreaking incident.
As the story develops, the focus remains on the victims and their families, as well as the need for accountability in ensuring the safety of cable car operations across Italy. The tragic loss of life has sparked a nationwide conversation about public safety and the responsibilities of transport authorities in maintaining infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Monte Faito cable car accident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with cable car travel, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The community's grief resonates throughout the nation, emphasizing the need for stricter safety protocols and thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies.
