At least four people have died and another is critically injured following a tragic cable car accident near Naples, Italy, on April 17, 2025. The incident occurred at Monte Faito, a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, shortly after the cable car service had reopened for the season.
The cable car was reportedly nearing the top of the mountain when one of the cables supporting it snapped, leading to a catastrophic plunge. According to Vincenzo De Luca, the governor of the Campania region, the victims were identified as two couples of tourists. "The four people who lost their lives were two couples of tourists, this is what the rescuers told us," he stated. The only survivor of the crash, a middle-aged man, was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition.
Rescue operations were complicated by adverse weather conditions, including thick fog and high winds, which hampered access to the crash site. Approximately 50 rescue workers were involved in the search and recovery efforts. Sixteen passengers from a second cable car that was stuck mid-air were safely evacuated using harnesses, as reported by local media. Footage from RAI public television showed the dramatic rescue operation, which required careful maneuvering due to the precarious situation.
Umberto De Gregorio, chairman of the EAV public transport company that operates the cable car service, described the incident as a "tragedy". He noted that the cable car had been closed for winter but had just reopened a week prior to the accident. "The cabin at the top has crashed," De Gregorio said, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
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 about to reach the top of the hill." He assured that regular safety checks had been conducted on the cable car line, which spans three kilometers from the town to the summit of Monte Faito, roughly 1,100 meters above sea level.
Witnesses reported that the cable car was traveling over a steep area when the cable snapped. The accident occurred shortly after 3 PM local time, and initial reports indicated that one of the cables supporting the cabin had failed, causing it to plunge at maximum speed into the woodland below.
In a somber statement, De Luca expressed his condolences, saying, "We are facing a tragedy that leaves us breathless and speechless." He acknowledged the challenges faced by rescuers due to the weather conditions but also noted that many lives were saved during the operation. "It could have been worse—many human lives were saved," he remarked.
This incident is not the first of its kind in Italy. In 2021, a similar tragedy occurred when a cable car linking Lake Maggiore with a nearby mountain plunged to the ground, resulting in the deaths of 14 people. Such accidents raise serious concerns about the safety of cable car systems, especially those operating in mountainous regions.
As investigations into the causes of the accident begin, the focus will likely be on the maintenance practices of the cable car service and the conditions leading up to the failure of the cable. Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli expressed his sorrow over the incident, highlighting Monte Faito as a symbolic location of natural beauty. "To see it today the scene of such a tragedy saddens us deeply," Giuli stated.
The local community is now left to grapple with the aftermath of this horrific event. While rescue operations have concluded, the emotional toll on the families of the victims and the community at large will be felt for a long time. As authorities work to uncover the details surrounding the crash, they will also be tasked with ensuring that similar tragedies do not occur in the future.
In light of this tragedy, there will likely be renewed scrutiny of safety regulations and maintenance protocols for cable car systems across Italy. The hope is that lessons learned from this incident will lead to improved safety measures to protect tourists and residents alike.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the families affected by this tragedy and ensuring that accountability is established for those responsible for maintaining the safety of the cable car system. The community's resilience will be tested as they come together to mourn their losses and support one another in the days ahead.
