A serious incident occurred on April 17, 2025, at the Funivia del Faito in Castellammare di Stabia, when a cable broke shortly after 15:00, leaving two cabins suspended in mid-air with 16 individuals on board. This tragic event unfolded just one week after the funivia had reopened for the tourist season, marking a shocking turn of events for an attraction that had been eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike.
The Funivia del Faito, a popular cable car that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, had seen a surge in usage, with over 113,000 passengers recorded in 2024. The cable car system, which allows travelers to ascend to the summit in a mere eight minutes from the Circumvesuviana station, was expected to be a highlight of the spring tourism season. However, the joy was abruptly interrupted when, around 15:00, the main cable detached, leading to a catastrophic failure.
Reports indicate that the cable fell onto an old Enel pylon and a construction crane, causing significant disruption not only to the funivia but also to the Circumvesuviana railway service, which connects Naples to the towns surrounding Mount Vesuvius. The cable's fall resulted in the immediate suspension of train services between Pioppaino and Sorrento, as it landed across the tracks, prompting emergency measures.
According to Umberto De Gregorio, president and CEO of Eav, which manages the public transport system in Campania, the situation escalated quickly. At approximately 18:05, he confirmed on social media that one of the cabins had fallen, expressing fears of potential casualties. "The cabin at the top has fallen, and we fear there may be victims," he stated, underscoring the gravity of the incident.
Rescue operations commenced promptly after the incident, with emergency services, including firefighters, mobilizing to assist the stranded passengers. Eleven individuals aboard the lower cabin were successfully evacuated using ropes, while communication with the cabin at the summit was lost. This cabin, which reportedly held five people, was feared to have plunged into a ravine, raising concerns about the safety of those on board.
As the rescue efforts unfolded, the conditions were complicated by adverse weather, with strong winds reaching speeds of 70-80 km/h impacting the region. This severe weather may have contributed to the cable's failure, as authorities began to investigate the precise causes of the incident.
In a statement issued shortly after the event, Eav confirmed that all passengers from the lower cabin had been brought to safety without injury. "The funivia is currently halted, and the safety system activated immediately after the incident, effectively locking the cabins in place. We are working diligently to ensure the remaining passengers are evacuated safely," the statement read.
Local authorities took precautionary measures by closing the Castellammare di Stabia station and implementing alternative bus services to mitigate the disruption caused by the halted train services. The municipal police also closed the scenic road near the Reggia borbonica di Quisisana as a safety precaution.
This incident is particularly poignant given the history of the Funivia del Faito, which has been operational since 1952. The system has seen its share of tragedy, most notably in 1960 when a cabin detached, resulting in the deaths of four people, including a nine-year-old child. The memory of that incident looms large over the current situation, evoking deep concern among the community and authorities.
As the investigation into the cable's failure continues, officials are expected to scrutinize the maintenance records and safety protocols that govern the operation of the funivia. The reopening of the system just a week prior raises questions about the thoroughness of safety checks conducted before the start of the tourist season.
In light of these events, many are calling for a comprehensive review of safety measures across all cable car systems in the region to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The Funivia del Faito, once a symbol of leisure and scenic beauty, now stands as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with such attractions.
As the day unfolds, the community of Castellammare di Stabia and beyond waits anxiously for updates on the fate of those still unaccounted for. The local government, led by Campania’s President Vincenzo De Luca, has pledged full support for rescue efforts and has committed to providing assistance to the families affected by this incident.
In the coming days, as investigations proceed, the focus will be on ensuring that the necessary measures are put in place to restore safety and confidence in the funivia system, allowing it to once again serve as a cherished link between the stunning vistas of Mount Faito and the people who wish to experience them.
