On April 17, 2025, a tragic accident occurred on the cable car at Monte Faito, near Castellammare di Stabia, Italy, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and severe injuries to another. The incident unfolded shortly after 3:00 PM when a cable snapped, causing a cabin with five people aboard to plummet to the ground. The cable car, which has been in operation since 1952, had only recently reopened on April 10 after its winter break.
According to reports from the Italian media, the cable car was transporting tourists and workers when the disaster struck. Two of the deceased were British citizens, while the third was an Israeli national. The injured individual is also from Israel and was taken to the Ospedale del Mare in Naples with multiple fractures. The local authorities confirmed that rescue operations were complicated by poor visibility due to heavy fog.
The gondola involved in the accident was reportedly nearing the mountain station when the cable broke. At the time of the incident, two cabins were left suspended in the air, with a total of 16 passengers aboard. Eleven of these passengers were rescued from the other cabins using ropes, and rescue helicopters were deployed to assist with the operation.
Luigi Vicinanza, the mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, provided insight into the accident, stating, "The cable snapped for an unexplained reason. The emergency brake at the valley station worked, but apparently, the cabin's brake did not." He noted that the cabin was almost at the top when the cable failure occurred.
The cable car line, which typically offers stunning views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, has a history of incidents. In 1960, a fatal accident occurred at the same location, resulting in four deaths and over 30 injuries. More recently, in the summer of 2021, a cabin with 31 passengers became stuck for over an hour due to a power failure, although no injuries were reported in that incident.
As news of the accident spread, the local prosecutor's office initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the cable failure. The safety of the cable car system will be scrutinized, especially given its long history of operation and the recent reopening.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with rescue teams working diligently to retrieve those stranded in the remaining cabins. The dense fog hindered visibility, making the rescue efforts even more challenging. The Italian Alpine Rescue Corps, which was involved in the recovery operations, faced difficulties navigating the weather conditions as they attempted to reach the stranded passengers.
The cable car at Monte Faito is a popular attraction, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Last year alone, it served over 100,000 passengers, many of whom were foreign tourists eager to experience the breathtaking views from the summit. However, the recent tragedy has raised questions about the safety protocols and maintenance practices in place for such transport systems.
In light of the accident, there have been calls for a thorough review of cable car safety regulations across Italy. The tragic loss of life has underscored the importance of stringent safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As investigations continue, the families of the victims are left to grapple with their loss, while the community mourns the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful afternoon. The cable car's reopening just days prior adds a poignant layer to the story, highlighting the risks associated with recreational transport systems.
In a statement, the regional transport authority expressed condolences to the victims' families and emphasized their commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. They also reiterated the importance of safety in public transport, noting that the well-being of passengers is their top priority.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what measures will be implemented to enhance safety and prevent future tragedies on cable cars and similar transport systems throughout Italy. The Monte Faito accident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with such attractions and the critical need for rigorous safety standards.
In summary, the cable car accident on Monte Faito has left a community in mourning and raised significant concerns about transport safety. With four lives lost and one person severely injured, the impact of this tragedy will be felt for years to come.
