Jobaaj Stories
Monte Faito Cable Car Tragedy: Four Dead, One Critically Injured
A devastating cable car accident on Monte Faito, near Naples, Italy, has claimed the lives of at least four people and left one critically injured. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, April 17, 2025, has shocked the nation and raised serious questions about safety protocols.
The Accident
The cable car, a popular tourist attraction offering breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, was traveling from Castellammare di Stabia to Monte Faito when a cable snapped. This caused the upward-bound cabin to plummet to the ground, resulting in fatalities. Two British tourists, an Israeli tourist, and the Italian cable car operator, Carmine Parlato, tragically lost their lives. A second Israeli tourist survived but sustained severe injuries. Sixteen others were rescued from a second cable car that had halted further down the line. The accident occurred just one week after the cable car reopened for the season following winter maintenance.
Rescue Efforts and Investigation
Rescue efforts were hampered by strong winds and fog. Firefighters, police, and Italy's alpine rescue team worked tirelessly to reach the wreckage and evacuate survivors. An investigation has been launched by the Torre Annunziata prosecutor’s office to determine the cause of the cable failure. Mayor Luigi Vicinanza stated that the traction cable broke, and while the emergency brake worked on the descending cable car, it failed on the cabin that crashed.
A Troubled History
Tragically, this is not the first deadly accident involving the Monte Faito cable car. A similar incident in 1960 also resulted in four fatalities. This history underscores the need for rigorous safety checks and maintenance procedures. The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, expressed her condolences and pledged a thorough investigation.
Moving Forward
The Monte Faito cable car crash serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety regulations in the tourism industry. The investigation will hopefully shed light on what went wrong and prevent future tragedies. In the meantime, the community mourns the loss of life and extends its support to the victims' families.
