A tragic cable car accident near Naples, Italy, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, has claimed the lives of four individuals, including two British tourists, an Israeli woman, and the cable car operator. The incident occurred when a support cable snapped, causing the cabin to plunge downwards shortly after 3 p.m. local time, just as it was nearing the station on the Monte Faito line, approximately 30 miles southeast of Naples.
The victims have been identified as a British couple, whose names have not yet been disclosed, and an Israeli woman, while the operator, Carmine Parlato, 59, also perished in the crash. Reports indicate that a second Israeli tourist is in critical condition and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital's intensive care unit.
Mayor Luigi Vicinanza of Castellammare di Stabia, where the cable car operates, stated that the emergency brake downstream functioned correctly, but the brake on the cabin that was approaching the top failed. "The traction cable broke. The emergency brake downstream worked, but evidently not the one on the cabin that was entering the station," he explained to the media.
The cable car, which provides breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, had just reopened for the season a week prior to the accident. Umberto De Gregorio, chairman of the EAV public transport company that operates the cable car, described the incident as "an unimaginable, unforeseeable tragedy." He emphasized that regular maintenance checks had been conducted on the cable car system.
Emergency services, including Italy's alpine rescue teams, firefighters, and police, swiftly responded to the scene. They managed to rescue 12 other tourists from a second cabin that had become stuck mid-air near the base of the mountain. Footage from the scene showed rescuers working diligently to lower the survivors to safety using harnesses.
In total, 16 people were involved in the incident, with one middle-aged man being the only survivor from the fallen cabin. Rescuers faced challenges due to heavy fog, which hampered their operations. The second cabin was secured and all passengers aboard were evacuated without further injuries.
This tragic event is reminiscent of a similar incident that occurred in 1960, where four people lost their lives on the same route due to a cable failure. The Monte Faito cable car, which has been in operation since 1952, had undergone significant renovations from 1988 to 1990 and had been closed for upgrades from 2012 until its reopening in 2019.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who was in Washington at the time of the incident, expressed her condolences to the victims' families and stated that she was in contact with the rescue teams. "What happened today is a tragedy that we cannot fully comprehend," she said.
In light of the accident, Italian prosecutors in Torre Annunziata have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the cable failure. The local authorities are working closely with the family members of the victims and have assured them that they will provide all necessary support during this difficult time.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering how such a catastrophic failure could occur on a system that had recently reopened after a lengthy maintenance period. The tragic loss of life has sparked renewed discussions about safety protocols and the importance of rigorous maintenance checks on cable car systems, especially those that cater to tourists.
This incident has reignited memories of another cable car disaster in May 2021, when a cable car collapse near Lake Maggiore resulted in 14 fatalities, including five members of an Israeli family. The survivor from that incident, a young boy, became the focus of a contentious international custody battle.
As the community mourns the loss of these individuals, many are calling for improved safety measures to prevent future tragedies. The Monte Faito cable car was not just a mode of transportation; it was a beloved attraction that allowed visitors to experience the stunning beauty of southern Italy from a unique vantage point.
In the wake of this disaster, the local government is expected to review safety regulations and operational protocols to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again. The safety of tourists and locals alike must be the top priority moving forward.
As investigations continue, the families of the victims are left to grapple with their loss while the community comes together to support one another during this painful time. The hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to enhanced safety measures and prevent future accidents, ensuring that the beauty of Monte Faito can be enjoyed safely for generations to come.
