A Tragic Day in Italy: Cable Car Accident Claims Four Lives
Severe Weather Complicates Rescue Efforts After Cable Snaps on Monte Faito
In a devastating incident on Thursday, April 17, 2025, a cable car accident in southern Italy's Monte Faito region has resulted in the deaths of four tourists and left another individual critically injured. The tragic event unfolded shortly after 3 p.m. local time when a cable snapped, causing the cabin to plunge into a ravine.
The cable car, which connects Castellammare di Stabia to the summit of Monte Faito, was carrying nine passengers when the accident occurred. Among those on board were two couples and a cable car operator. According to local authorities, the cabin fell approximately 1,092 meters, hitting a pylon during its descent and reportedly colliding with a crane on a construction site below.
Vincenzo De Luca, the president of the Campania region, confirmed that all the victims were tourists. He stated, "These are very ugly situations," reflecting the shock and sorrow felt across the region. The injured survivor was airlifted to a hospital in Naples, where he is currently in critical condition.
The cable car had just reopened for the tourist season a week prior, on April 10, after undergoing renovations. The service is popular for its breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, making it a favored attraction for both locals and tourists alike.
Rescue operations were complicated by severe weather conditions, including thick fog, rain, and strong winds, which hindered the efforts of first responders. It took more than 90 minutes for rescue teams, including Italy's alpine rescue, firefighters, and police, to locate the wreckage of the cable car.
More than 50 firefighters participated in the rescue efforts, working diligently to evacuate 16 individuals from another cable car that had become stranded lower in the valley due to the accident. They were rescued one by one using harnesses and ropes, showcasing the commitment and bravery of the emergency services involved.
The cable car system, which has been operational since 1952, has a history marked by tragedy. In 1960, a similar incident resulted in the deaths of four people, including a child. The recent accident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and maintenance of cable car systems in Italy, prompting an immediate investigation by the local prosecutor's office.
Umberto De Gregorio, the chairman of EAV, the public transportation company that manages the cable car, described the crash as an "unimaginable and unpredictable tragedy." He defended the decision to operate the cable car despite the adverse weather conditions, emphasizing that safety protocols were in place and that the decision to close the service is typically made after careful assessment.
Local officials, including Castellammare di Stabia's mayor Luigi Vicinanza, expressed their condolences to the victims' families. Vicinanza noted that the emergency brake at the valley station functioned correctly, but the brake near the summit failed to activate as the cabin approached the station.
The accident has also led to the closure of local rail stations connecting Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast to Naples, as the fallen cable disrupted surrounding infrastructure, including the Circumvesuviana railway tracks.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the safety measures in place for cable car operations, especially in light of the recent tragic events. The community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the implications of this disaster on the local tourism industry, which heavily relies on the cable car for access to scenic views and recreational activities.
Italy's President of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa, took to social media to express his sorrow over the tragedy, stating, "I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and I address a thought of gratitude to all the rescuers involved." The nation stands united in grief as it reflects on the lives lost and the impact of this tragic event.
In a country where tourism is a vital part of the economy, the Monte Faito cable car has long been a symbol of the region's natural beauty. The tragedy of April 17 serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with such attractions, prompting a reevaluation of safety protocols and emergency preparedness in the tourism sector.
As the community begins to heal, the focus will shift towards ensuring that such a tragedy does not occur again. The call for accountability and transparency in the investigation is paramount, as families seek answers and justice for their loved ones.
