Tragic Cable Car Incident: British Couple Just Moments From Safety Before Fatal Plunge

A devastating tragedy unfolded on Monte Faito, Italy, as a cable car carrying four people plummeted nearly 100 feet when its traction cable snapped just moments from reaching safety. The excursion, which began from Castellammare di Stabia at 2:40 PM, ended tragically when the cabin’s emergency brakes failed, sending it hurtling into the surrounding trees. Among the victims were a British couple, their Israeli friend, and the driver, Carmine Parlato, aged 59.

Rescue teams faced daunting weather challenges, battling thick fog and high winds, which delayed their response. It took two agonizing hours to locate the wreckage, only to find one survivor, critically injured. The investigation into the accident is already underway, with authorities seeking to understand why both cable cars halted, leaving one suspended and the other experiencing catastrophic failure.

Mayor Luigi Vicinanza expressed deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting the narrow window of time before disaster struck. This cable car, which had operated since 1952, was supposed to be safe, resuming after extensive maintenance just a week prior. As memories of previous tragedies linger, the scene is marked by loss and grief.