In brief
Authorities in Italy have confirmed the identities of the four individuals who lost their lives in a cable car accident on Thursday near Naples. Among the deceased are two British tourists and an Israeli national, alongside the Italian driver of the cable car. The incident has sparked an investigation into safety protocols.
The cable car, which was known for its picturesque views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, fell when it was approximately 20 seconds away from reaching its destination on the scenic plateau of Monte Faito. Luigi Vicinanza, the mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, stated that the tragic incident occurred due to a snapped traction cable, which affected both the cable car involved and another car near the Castellammare station.The British victims have been named as Elaine Margaret Winn and Graeme Derek Winn, while the Israeli woman is identified as Janan Suleiman. Thabet Suleiman, Janan’s brother, miraculously survived the accident but remains in critical condition in a Naples hospital. The mayor has expressed his condolences and described the event as a "tragic" loss, with family members of the victims expected to arrive in Italy soon.As a response to the accident, Italian prosecutors have opened an inquiry to determine the precise cause and any potential failings that led to the crash. Meanwhile, nine additional individuals who were trapped in another cable car were successfully rescued by firefighters using harnesses. This unfortunate event not only highlights the risks associated with high-altitude attractions but also raises concerns about the maintenance and safety practices of such facilities.
