A tragic accident occurred on April 17, 2025, when a cable on the Monte Faito funivia (cable car) in Castellammare di Stabia broke, resulting in the death of four people and leaving one critically injured. The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and calls for accountability.
At approximately 3 PM, the cable snapped, causing a cabin to plummet into a ravine. A total of five individuals were aboard the cabin at the time of the accident, including three foreign tourists and the operator, Carmine Parlato. The other passengers were part of two tourist couples, with one of the tourists, a 30-year-old Israeli man, suffering severe injuries and currently hospitalized at the Ospedale del Mare in Naples.
Emergency services were quick to respond, with over 50 firefighters, paramedics, and rescue teams deployed to the scene. They faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions, including fog and wind, which complicated the recovery efforts. The search for the missing individual was further hampered by the difficult terrain and visibility issues.
According to reports, the funivia had only recently reopened, just a week prior, after a winter hiatus. In the previous year, it had served 113,000 passengers, highlighting its importance as a tourist attraction in the region. The governor of Campania, Vincenzo De Luca, noted that the accident could have been worse, stating, "Many lives were saved; it could have gone worse." He also confirmed that earlier maintenance checks had been conducted on the system.
The mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, Luigi Vicinanza, explained that while the emergency brake had activated for the cabin descending towards the station, it failed to engage for the cabin that fell, leading to its tragic descent. "The traction cable broke, and the emergency brake did not work on the cabin entering the station at the top of Faito," he said.
The victims have been identified as two British citizens and an Israeli national, with the fourth victim being the operator, Carmine Parlato, who had been employed by EAV, the regional transport company, for many years. His colleagues expressed their sorrow, emphasizing the loss of a dedicated worker.
In the wake of the incident, the Public Prosecutor's Office of Torre Annunziata has opened an investigation into the accident, considering charges of multiple manslaughter and negligent disaster. The investigation will focus on how such a failure could occur, especially given the recent safety checks. Prosecutor Nunzio Fragliasso, along with his team, is overseeing the inquiry.
In a statement, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was in Washington at the time of the incident, expressed her condolences to the families of the victims. She emphasized that the government is committed to understanding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. "My thoughts are with the families of the victims and those injured in this tragic incident," she stated.
As the community mourns, local residents have voiced their anger and frustration over the lack of safety measures, demanding accountability. One resident remarked, "You should all be ashamed. While we scream for the truth, we are dismissed in court every day." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among the public regarding the safety of the funivia, especially considering its history of previous accidents.
Historically, the Monte Faito funivia has not been without its issues. In August 1960, a similar tragedy occurred when a cabin detached from its cables, resulting in four fatalities, including a child. More recently, in July 2021, the funivia was temporarily halted due to a blackout, leaving passengers suspended for an hour before being rescued.
Following the latest incident, the community has rallied around the families affected, with local businesses offering support and accommodations for relatives of the victims. Agostino Ingenito, president of the local Bed & Breakfast Association, stated, "We are here to provide support and hospitality to those who need it during this tragic time. It is essential to stand by the families and help the injured. However, we must also ensure that those responsible are held accountable. This cannot be just a tragic accident."
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding how the cable car system could have failed so catastrophically. The regional government has promised a thorough review of safety protocols and maintenance practices to prevent future tragedies. As the community of Castellammare di Stabia grapples with this devastating loss, the call for justice and improved safety measures resonates strongly among residents and officials alike.
