Tragic Cable Car Accident in Naples Claims Four Lives

A devastating cable car accident occurred on Thursday afternoon in Castellammare di Stabia, near Naples, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including three foreign tourists. Reports indicate that one other person sustained serious injuries. The incident unfolded when a cable on the cable car, which transports visitors from Castellammare di Stabia to the summit of Mount Faito at approximately 1200 meters, snapped. The cabin closest to the mountain station, carrying five occupants, detached and plunged into a ravine.

Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to dense fog and adverse weather conditions. Two additional cabins were left suspended in the air, leading to the successful rescue of 16 individuals using ropes. Rescue helicopters were also deployed to assist in the operation.

The deceased have been identified as two tourists from England, one from Israel, and an Italian employee of the cable car operator, aged 59. A 30-year-old Israeli tourist remains in critical condition at a hospital in Naples, suffering from severe injuries. Authorities in Naples have launched an investigation into the tragedy.

Luigi Vicinanza, the mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, stated at the incident site that the cable of the cable car snapped for reasons that are yet to be determined. While the emergency brake at the base functioned correctly, it appears that the brake system on the ascent failed. The cabin was in the process of returning to the mountain station when the accident occurred.

The cable car had recently reopened on April 10 following its winter closure. This popular attraction offers tourists breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding sea and mountains. Last year, approximately 113,000 visitors used the cable car, which was inaugurated in 1952. The only previous fatal accident in its history took place in August 1960, when a gondola detached from its cables and fell onto the railway tracks below, resulting in four fatalities.

This incident recalls a tragic cable car disaster at Lake Maggiore in May 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals. In that case, the cable snapped just before reaching the mountain station, and the emergency brakes, which should have engaged, were reportedly blocked due to prior operational issues.