Background on the Incident
Four people suffered minor injuries, and over 100 were temporarily stranded at the peak of a mountain in northwest Italy after a cable car incident on Tuesday, according to rescue services.
The accident occurred in the Macugnaga cable car, which ascends to the Monte Moro pass at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters near the Swiss border. No serious injuries were reported, as per a spokesperson for Italian Alpine rescue services.
Details of the Accident
Rescue services stated that the cabin arrived at the upper station at excessive speed, causing the accident. The two cabins collided with the structures of both the upper and lower stations, according to firefighters.
Three of the 15 passengers in the upper cabin and the lower station’s operator sustained injuries. Over 100 people were stranded on the mountain as the cable car could not be used for descent. However, approximately three hours after the accident at 10:30 GMT, everyone was evacuated by helicopter.
Explanation from the Cable Car Operator
Filippo Besozzi, the administrator of the company operating the cable car, explained that initial reports indicated the cable car did not properly decelerate upon entering the station and crashed into the barrier. He added that, although the elevator underwent a 2023 renovation and did not suffer significant damage, it was being inspected.
Context and Impact
This incident took place during the peak ski season in the Alps, when many Italians and tourists visit the region for Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened? A cable car in Macugnaga, Italy, experienced an accident where the cabin arrived at the upper station at excessive speed, causing it to collide with both stations’ structures.
- Who was affected? Four people sustained minor injuries, and over 100 were temporarily stranded at the mountain’s peak.
- What is the current status? Everyone involved has been evacuated, and inspections of the cable car are ongoing.
- When did this occur? The accident took place on Tuesday at approximately 10:30 GMT during the peak ski season in the Alps.
