‘Unimaginable tragedy’: Tourists, operator killed in horrific Italian cable car plunge near Mount Vesuvius

Why did a cable car crash near Naples kill four people and injure another?

A devastating cable car accident on April 17, 2025, near Naples, Italy, claimed the lives of four individuals and left another critically injured. The incident occurred on the Monte Faito cable car line, a popular aerial tramway that connects the coastal town of Castellammare di Stabia to the scenic mountain peak of Monte Faito, approximately 45 kilometres southeast of Naples. Rescue teams and firefighters confirmed the fatality count late Thursday evening, as recovery and investigation efforts intensified at the crash site.

The accident unfolded when one of the cabins, carrying five passengers, suddenly plummeted to the ground as it neared the summit station. The cause was reportedly the failure of a load-bearing traction cable, which snapped mid-ascent, causing the cabin to swing violently before detaching and crashing into a ravine below. Weather conditions at the time included high winds and thick fog, which hampered both visibility and emergency response efforts. Officials confirmed the deaths of three tourists and the cable car operator, while one surviving passenger remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

Who were the victims and what do we know about the survivors?

The victims of this tragic aerial cable car crash included a British couple, a tourist from Israel, and the Italian operator managing the ride. They were identified as Elaine and Graeme Winn from the UK, Janan Suliman from Israel, and Carmine Parlato, a long-serving employee of the operator Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV). Taheb Suliman, Janan’s brother, was the sole survivor but sustained life-threatening injuries and is receiving intensive medical care.

This incident marks a grim reminder of the risks associated with cable car systems, especially those operating under challenging terrain and variable weather. The identities of the victims drew public attention to the international nature of tourism in the region, prompting condolences from foreign ministries and renewed diplomatic engagement regarding traveller safety abroad.

What is the Monte Faito cable car and why is it popular among tourists?

The Monte Faito cable car, operated by EAV, has long been considered a critical link between the Bay of Naples and the mountain trails of Monte Faito. Offering panoramic views of Mount Vesuvius, the Sorrento Peninsula, and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the cable car is particularly popular with hikers, day-trippers, and photographers. The ride typically lasts eight minutes and is considered one of the more picturesque aerial tramways in Italy.

Following routine maintenance and seasonal upgrades, the cable car had only resumed service ten days before the crash, raising serious questions about the safety protocols in place. The service was shut down for nearly five months before reopening, with EAV stating at the time that comprehensive inspections had been carried out. The fact that a deadly mechanical failure occurred so soon after resumption is at the centre of a broader inquiry into systemic lapses in inspection standards and regulatory enforcement.

How are authorities responding to the Monte Faito crash investigation?

Italian prosecutors have launched a formal investigation into the crash, sealing off the entire cable car system, including pylons, machinery, and the base and summit stations. The public prosecutor’s office has confirmed it will pursue possible charges of manslaughter and criminal negligence. Investigators are focusing on the structural integrity of the cables, the timing of the last safety inspection, and the decision to operate under inclement weather conditions.

In addition to examining engineering documentation and operational logs, officials have begun reviewing maintenance contracts and compliance filings submitted by EAV and subcontractors. The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has also intervened, signalling the need for a national audit of similar cable car systems across Italy.

The Monte Faito incident comes just four years after the 2021 Stresa-Mottarone cable car disaster, where 14 people died due to a mechanical failure and deliberate disabling of emergency brakes. That tragedy led to nationwide scrutiny, but Thursday’s crash underscores that key lessons may not have been fully implemented or enforced.

Why are Italian cable car systems facing repeated failures?

Italy’s extensive network of funiculars, gondolas, and aerial tramways is among the most widely used in Europe, connecting both urban centres and remote mountain communities. However, the system’s age, inconsistent maintenance funding, and fragmented oversight between regional and national bodies have made it vulnerable to both technical failure and administrative oversight.

While newer systems often include modern safety features like automated diagnostics and redundant braking systems, older networks—such as the Monte Faito line—frequently operate with outdated infrastructure. In the case of Monte Faito, the current cable car system was inaugurated in the 1990s, replacing an earlier installation that had been in service since the 1950s. Despite intermittent upgrades, the line has experienced operational interruptions in the past, including an incident in 2021 where passengers were stranded mid-route due to a power failure.

Safety campaigners and engineers have long called for a unified framework for cable car maintenance and emergency planning, citing fragmented responsibilities between local operators like EAV and government regulators. Some have argued for the creation of a dedicated aerial transport safety authority, similar to aviation or rail.

What impact could this tragedy have on Italy’s tourism and cable transport policy?

With Italy relying heavily on tourism—contributing over 13% of GDP pre-pandemic—any perceived lack of safety in transportation infrastructure could have far-reaching implications. The Monte Faito cable car is a well-publicised attraction in Campania, and news of the crash has made international headlines. Travel advisories from some foreign governments may follow, depending on the progress of the investigation and subsequent safety improvements.

Policy-wise, the incident could serve as a tipping point for broader legislative action. Italy’s parliament has previously considered bills to streamline aerial tramway oversight, but these have languished amid budgetary constraints and political turnover. The latest tragedy may now compel lawmakers to expedite regulatory reform, including more frequent audits, increased investment in technology, and uniform operator training standards.

Experts in structural engineering and transport safety are also advocating for independent third-party audits of all operational tramways, particularly those in mountainous terrain or high-wind zones. Given Italy’s geography and its dependence on such systems in both urban and rural contexts, calls for a national aerial infrastructure renewal plan are growing louder.

What happens next for the cable car operator and affected families?

Ente Autonomo Volturno, the operator of the Monte Faito cable car, has expressed deep regret and suspended all operations indefinitely. A formal statement from the company noted that it would fully cooperate with the investigation and provide compensation to the victims’ families. Legal proceedings could still implicate senior executives, contractors, or maintenance crews if negligence is found.

For the families of the victims, legal recourse may involve civil claims or participation in criminal proceedings against the operator. International jurisdictions may also become involved, particularly if liability insurance claims and compensation cross national boundaries.

Ultimately, the Monte Faito cable car crash has opened renewed debate on the cost of inaction in infrastructure oversight. With one survivor still fighting for life, and grieving families demanding justice, the story remains a painful chapter in Italy’s long and sometimes troubled history with aerial tramway systems.