Two British tourists tragically lost their lives in a cable car accident near Naples, Italy, on Thursday. They were part of a group of four who died when the cable snapped, leading to the crash. Among the victims were an Israeli woman and an Italian man, who worked for the cable car operator.
The only person to survive the incident, another Israeli tourist, is currently in a stable but critical condition at a hospital in Naples. Emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue nine other passengers who were stranded in a separate cable car stuck mid-air during the chaos.
This accident occurred just days after the cable car service reopened for the season. The picturesque ride is popular for offering stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, attracting around 110,000 visitors each year.
Umberto De Gregorio, chairman of the EAV public transport company which operates the cable car, described the event as a tragedy. He stated that the service would be closed for an extended period as investigations begin. De Gregorio noted that the cable car had undergone thorough testing before reopening, with daily checks performed. He expressed deep sorrow, revealing that one of the victims was a colleague and friend.
The UK Foreign Office is actively involved, communicating with local authorities and offering support to those affected. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared her condolences and expressed her support for the rescue efforts while attending a meeting in Washington.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about what caused the cable to snap and whether it was due to an unforeseen event or human error. The community is mourning the loss of life and hoping for a swift recovery for the survivor.