A tragic cable car accident occurred on Thursday in the Campania region of southern Italy, leaving four people dead and another seriously injured. The accident took place on the cable car route between Castellammare di Stabia and Monte Faito, where a support cable snapped, causing a cabin to plummet to the ground. The injured passenger was rushed to a hospital in critical condition.
Popular Tourist Route Becomes Scene of Tragedy
The cable car, a well-known tourist attraction, covers a three-kilometer stretch and has been a popular means of transport for visitors to the scenic Monte Faito area. The incident occurred shortly after the cable car reopened for the summer season, raising concerns about the safety of transportation infrastructure in Italy.
Rescue Efforts Complicated by Weather Conditions
Emergency response efforts were severely hindered by adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog and strong winds. Over 50 firefighters were involved in the rescue operation. One of the cabins, carrying 16 passengers, was within reach of the base and was evacuated safely. However, a second cabin, suspended over a ravine, presented significant challenges due to the poor visibility, making it difficult for rescuers to reach the passengers inside.
Vincenzo De Luca, the president of the Campania region, confirmed the challenging conditions that responders faced. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident, with a particular focus on whether technical failures or external factors were involved.
Operator Shocked by the Incident
Umberto de Gregorio, the head of the company operating the cable car, expressed his shock and sorrow over the tragedy. “The system had passed all required inspections and had only reopened ten days ago,” de Gregorio said. “What happened today was neither foreseeable nor explainable.” The cable car had been inspected thoroughly before reopening for the season, and the incident has raised questions about the maintenance and safety standards of such systems.
Condolences from Italian Leaders
In the wake of the disaster, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences to the families of the victims. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this difficult time,” she said in a statement. “The government will support all efforts to ensure the full investigation of this tragic event.”
A History of Tragedy on the Same Line
The Monte Faito cable car line has been in operation since 1952. The recent incident marks a grim reminder of a similar tragedy that occurred in 1960, when four people lost their lives in a cable car accident on the same route. Italy has experienced several major cable car disasters over the years, including the 2021 crash at Lake Maggiore that killed 14 people. In 1998, a U.S. military jet severed the cable of a cable car in the Dolomites, leading to the deaths of 20 people.
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of this most recent tragedy, there are growing concerns about the safety of cable car systems in Italy and the adequacy of safety measures. The families of the victims are left to cope with the devastating loss, and the broader public continues to question how such an accident could have occurred despite recent safety inspections.