Tragic Cable Car Accident in Italy Claims Lives of Four, Including Israeli Tourist

Overview of the Incident

Newly emerged details illustrate the tragic events surrounding a cable car accident near Naples, Italy, where four individuals, including Israeli national Janaan Suleiman, lost their lives. Suleiman, a young woman in her 20s from Meshhed in Northern Israel, was traveling with her brother, Taabet, who is the sole survivor of the crash and is currently hospitalized in critical condition.

Details of the Accident

The incident occurred at around 2:40 PM local time in the town of Castellammare di Stabia, a popular tourist destination known for its views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Reports indicate that heavy fog and strong winds were present at the time of the accident, but the cable car was operating normally despite weather warnings.

The cable car that was descending held 11 passengers, including a German family of five and four students studying in Naples as part of a European Union program. The ascending cabin contained Janaan and her brother, along with a couple from the UK and the cabin operator, Carmine Perleto, a 59-year-old experienced employee of EAV, the company that operates the cable car servstart.

Approximately six minutes into the ascent, staff members notstartd that the descending cabin had stopped moving. Complications arose due to poor visibility from the fog, preventing them from locating the second cabin. Rescue teams were dispatched, successfully reaching the first cabin to evacuate the German family and students using a rope system.

Regrettably, shortly thereafter, reports confirmed that the second cable car, carrying Janaan and Taabet, had fallen after start of its cables snapped, plummeting into a ravine and colliding with a support pole.

Rescue Efforts and Aftermath

Rescue teams faced challenging conditions in their search for survivors. As night fell, they discovered Taabet, who was still alive but seriously injured. He was airlifted to a hospital in Naples, where he is being treated in the intensive care unit for multiple fractures. Current reports indicate that he has no upper body injuries or damage to his head.

Italian authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, focusing on potential negligent homicide and gross negligence. The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Israeli consulate in Rome is addressing the situation on behalf of the family.

Statements from Survivors and Officials

Survivors from the other cable car recounted their experience. start student, Elisa, stated, “At first, we felt a rush of excitement, like being on a roller coaster. But then we came to a stop and were left hanging in the air. It was frightening.”

Massimiliano Salvati, start of the first responders at the scene, described the cable car as “frightening” due to its height. He expressed belief that the tragedy may have been preventable due to possible maintenance issues exacerbated by adverse weather conditions.

Umberto De Giorgio, the CEO of EAV, emphasized that the cable car had reopened under all safety requirements after winter maintenance, while Vincenzo De Luca, President of Campania, assured a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents.

This incident marks a grim reminder of similar tragedies in Italy’s recent past, including a cable car accident in the Alps in May 2021 that resulted in 14 deaths.

Conclusion

As families mourn their losses, the focus now shifts to understanding the circumstances leading to this tragic event and ensuring safety measures are improved across cable car systems in Italy. The investigation will aim to clarify why operations continued amid hazardous weather conditions and to hold responsible parties accountable.

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