Tragedy on Monte Faito: A Family’s Close Call in the Naples Cable Car Crash
It was meant to be another scenic family outing on the slopes of Monte Faito in southern Italy—a tranquil ride with stunning views. But in a twist of fate, what was supposed to be a moment of peaceful vacation turned into a brush with disaster for a London family. Megan Pacey, her husband James Ross, and their two young children, Hannah and Luke, were just a minute or two away from being in the very cable car that tragically crashed on Thursday.
As Megan recounted the chilling moment, you could sense the shock in her voice: “We were within a minute or two of it happening.” They had just witnessed rescuers winching passengers down from the suspended cable car when the atmosphere around them turned from calm to urgent. Flowers and candles had already begun to appear outside the railway station by the next day, a somber memorial for those lost.
The crash claimed the lives of four people, including two British tourists—Margaret Elaine Winn, 58, and her brother Graeme Derek Winn, 65. An Israeli woman, Janan Suliman, also perished, and the Italian cable car operator, Carmine Parlato, was the fourth victim. Suliman’s brother remains critically injured in hospital.
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Authorities believe a traction cable snapped, sending the cabin plummeting toward the mountain. Sixteen other passengers, stranded in another cable car on the same line, were dramatically rescued via harnesses as rescuers battled high winds and fog. The scene must have been surreal—this iconic transport system, in operation since 1952, had become the site of chaos and heartbreak.
Campania region president Vincenzo De Luca described it as “a truly tragic and painful day,” promising a full investigation into the cause. The cable car had reportedly undergone a safety inspection just a week before the incident, raising questions about what might have gone wrong.
The mayor of Castellammare di Stabia has declared a day of mourning and suspended all Easter celebrations in the town. Flags were lowered, and grief was felt in every corner. Meanwhile, British and Israeli officials have expressed condolences and are working closely with Italian authorities.
As the investigation unfolds, the trauma for those who barely escaped, like the London family, will linger. One minute’s difference was all that stood between them and a life-altering tragedy. And for those who lost loved ones, this Easter season will forever be marked by sorrow.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most routine holiday activity can turn unexpectedly into tragedy. Safety, vigilance, and accountability now hang in the balance as Italy—and the world—looks for answers.
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