Tragedy on Monte Faito: Four Foreign Tourists Killed in Southern Italy Cable Car Collapse
NAPLES, ITALY — April 17, 2025
A devastating cable car accident on Monte Faito, a popular tourist destination in southern Italy, has claimed the lives of four foreign visitors, according to Italian authorities and local news agencies.
Deadly Plunge in Harsh Weather
The incident occurred late Tuesday afternoon when a cabin of the Monte Faito cable car system, operated by Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV), plummeted during adverse weather conditions. The site, located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Naples, connects the coastal town of Castellammare di Stabia with the scenic mountain peak.
According to Italian media outlets including ANSA and RAI News, the cabin was carrying passengers over a steep ravine when it detached and crashed to the ground. Initial investigations suggest that high winds and dense fog may have contributed to the failure of the cable system.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, involving local firefighters and mountain rescue teams, who faced significant challenges due to the dangerous weather. By nightfall, four fatalities had been confirmed, all reportedly foreign tourists. A fifth person was seriously injured and airlifted to the Ospedale del Mare hospital in Naples, officials told La Repubblica.
Survivors Rescued from Second Cabin
While one cabin tragically fell, a second cabin was left suspended mid-air with 16 passengers on board. Dramatic footage broadcast on Italian television and circulated on social media showed rescuers lowering individuals one by one using harnesses. All survivors were successfully evacuated, according to Italy’s fire and rescue services.
Umberto De Gregorio, chairman of EAV, described the accident as “a tragedy” and confirmed that contact had been lost with one cabin shortly after a technical issue was reported at around 4:30 PM local time.
Government Response and Investigation Underway
The public prosecutor's office in Torre Annunziata has opened an official investigation to determine the cause of the disaster. Authorities are expected to examine possible negligence, technical malfunctions, or safety protocol violations.
Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi extended his condolences, stating, “On behalf of the Metropolitan City of Naples, I offer my deepest sympathy to the victims and their families.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is currently in Washington for bilateral meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, also expressed her sorrow. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said she was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and remains in close contact with Italy’s Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci and emergency response officials.
A Dark Reminder of Past Tragedies
This accident comes nearly four years after a similar catastrophe in northern Italy. In 2021, a cable car near Lake Maggiore collapsed, killing 14 people and prompting a national debate over safety standards in Italy’s mountain transport systems.
Notably, the Monte Faito cable car had just resumed seasonal service one week prior to the accident, raising questions about the inspection and maintenance procedures carried out before reopening.
A Popular Destination Marred by Grief
Monte Faito is known for its breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and is a favorite destination for both locals and international tourists. The tragic event has cast a somber shadow over the region’s tourism industry and raised urgent concerns about infrastructure safety.
As Italy mourns the loss of these lives, investigators are working to uncover exactly what went wrong on Monte Faito — and how future tragedies can be prevented.
Sources: News Agencies