On Thursday, April 17, 2025, a tragic accident occurred at the Monte Faito funicular in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy, when a cable broke, causing one of the cabins to plummet into a ravine. The incident, which took place around 3:00 PM, has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, with one person still missing and presumed lost.
The funicular, managed by Eav, had just reopened on April 10, 2025, after its winter closure. On the fateful day, two cabins were in operation, one descending with 12 passengers and the other ascending with five individuals, including the driver. As the upper cabin began its ascent, a cable reportedly snapped, leading to a catastrophic failure.
According to initial reports, the automatic safety system activated immediately after the breakage, halting the system to prevent further casualties. However, the upper cabin fell approximately 1,200 meters into a ravine, resulting in three confirmed fatalities and one serious injury. The search continues for the missing driver.
Emergency services, including firefighters and alpine rescue teams, rushed to the scene. They successfully rescued all 12 passengers from the lower cabin, who were lowered to safety using ropes. Many of those rescued were foreign tourists, highlighting the funicular's popularity as a scenic route.
As rescue operations unfolded, the weather conditions posed significant challenges. High winds of 70-80 km/h and low visibility due to fog hampered efforts to reach the fallen cabin. Eyewitnesses described a sudden jolt followed by a terrifying drop, as the cabin plummeted into the depths.
The President of the Campania Region, Vincenzo De Luca, arrived at the site to oversee the situation. He expressed his condolences and concern for the victims' families. "This is a profound tragedy that has struck our community," he said, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
Local authorities have announced that they will launch an inquiry into the incident, examining the maintenance records of the funicular and the circumstances surrounding the cable's failure. The prefect of Naples, Michele Di Bari, coordinated the emergency response and stated that the situation is being monitored closely.
In addition to the immediate rescue efforts, transportation services in the area have been affected. The Napoli-Sorrento train line has been temporarily suspended between Castellammare di Stabia and Pioppaino, with replacement bus services established to accommodate stranded passengers.
This isn't the first time the Monte Faito funicular has faced tragedy. In 1960, a similar incident occurred when a cabin detached from its cables due to human error, resulting in four deaths. The funicular, which has been in operation since 1952, has undergone numerous safety upgrades since that time, but this latest incident raises serious questions about its current safety protocols.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus remains on the victims and their families. The emotional toll is evident, particularly among the families of those who were aboard the upper cabin. The wife of the missing driver arrived at the scene, visibly distraught, as she awaited news of her husband.
In the wake of the accident, officials are urging the public to remain patient as rescue operations continue. The Eav company, in a statement released shortly after the incident, reassured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of passengers in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with cable car systems, particularly in adverse weather conditions. As investigations proceed, the community hopes for answers and a commitment to ensuring the safety of all who use the funicular.
In summary, the Monte Faito funicular accident has left a profound mark on the local community, with four lives lost and one person still unaccounted for. The investigation into the causes of the cable failure will be crucial in preventing such tragedies in the future.
