Two British citizens were among four people killed when a cable car plunged near Naples, Italy, on Thursday. The victims, identified as Margaret Elaine Winn, 58, and Graeme Derek Winn, 65, died alongside an Israeli woman and the Italian operator in the tragic accident at Monte Faito, a popular mountain destination southeast of Naples. The cable car, which had recently undergone maintenance, was carrying 11 passengers when a supporting cable snapped, causing the cabin to plummet approximately 20 meters (65 feet) to the ground. Emergency services rescued seven survivors, including a young boy, who were rushed to nearby hospitals with serious injuries. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as first responders worked to free trapped passengers from the wreckage.
Italian prosecutors have launched a manslaughter investigation into the cause of the crash, examining whether negligence or technical failure played a role. The cable car system, a major tourist attraction offering panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, has been suspended indefinitely while authorities inspect the site and review safety protocols. The British Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the Winn family and is in close contact with Italian authorities. Tributes have poured in for the victims, with local residents and visitors expressing shock over the incident at the normally tranquil mountain retreat.
The tragedy has raised urgent questions about the safety of aging cable car infrastructure across Italy, prompting calls for stricter maintenance regulations and oversight. Similar systems in other tourist hotspots may now face increased scrutiny as investigators work to determine what went wrong in this case. Prosecutors have indicated that criminal charges could follow if evidence reveals lapses in maintenance or operational procedures. Meanwhile, the community around Monte Faito is mourning the loss of life in an accident that has cast a shadow over one of the region’s most scenic attractions.
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