Tragedy struck near Naples, Italy, as a cable-car collapse claimed the lives of four individuals and left one person injured, according to reports from local firefighters.
The unfortunate incident occurred when a cable snapped on the route connecting tourists from Castellammare di Stabia, beautifully situated along the Gulf of Naples, to Monte Faito, just 3 kilometers away.
In a statement on Telegram, the fire department shared, “Four lifeless bodies were found, while a fifth injured person was rescued and taken to hospital.” This casualty report marks the final toll from this heartbreaking event.
In the rescue efforts, over 50 firefighters were engaged, working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all affected.
Reports indicated that a second cabin dangled perilously above a precipice on Monte Faito, and visibility issues due to fog hampered ongoing rescue operations.
This cable car had recently reopened for the summer season, and local prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Umberto de Gregorio, head of the cable car company, commented, “The cable car reopened ten days ago with all the required safety conditions. What happened today is an unimaginable, unforeseeable tragedy.”
Expressing compassion during this difficult time, Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who was on an official trip to Washington, conveyed her “sincere condolences” to the families affected by this distressing incident, as reported by her office.
This cable car has a long history of operation since its launch in 1952. However, it is not without a tragic past; a similar accident in 1960 also resulted in four fatalities. In another incident in May 2021, a cable car in the Italian Alps near Lake Maggiore tragically crashed, leading to the loss of 14 lives. Moreover, a disastrous event in 1998 saw a U.S. fighter jet accidentally sever a steel cable, killing 20 people riding a cable car in the Dolomites.
This recent catastrophe serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in such adventures and highlights the critical importance of stringent safety measures and regular maintenance.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
