In Italy, About a Hundred People Got Stuck on a Cable Car in the Alps
An accident occurred on the Macugnaga cable car at the ski resort near Monte Moro Pass in the Italian Alps. As a result of the incident, about a hundred people were trapped at an altitude of approximately 2800 meters above sea level, reports Euronews.
Illustrative image. Photo: AP
The incident occurred on December 30 in the Piedmont region. According to preliminary information, one of the cabins during ascent was moving at excessive speed and, upon entering the station, failed to brake in time, crashing into a barrier. Almost simultaneously, another cabin arrived at the station from the other side, in which only the driver was present; he sustained minor injuries.
As a result of the accident, at least four people were injured; their injuries were minor. The ski slopes were immediately closed, and the lift's operation was halted.
94 tourists, including children, as well as five workers, remained at altitude. Mountain rescuers, emergency services, carabinieri, and firefighters arrived at the scene. Evacuation was carried out using helicopters; all people were successfully brought down.
A representative of the cable car operating company reported that an investigation into the causes of the accident is currently underway. According to preliminary findings, the malfunction occurred due to problems with the cabin's braking upon entering the station. He emphasized that there were no serious injuries and no one's life was in danger: the most severe injury was a hand wound sustained by a 59-year-old man.
The Macugnaga cable car was built back in 1962, and in 2023, it underwent a major modernization with the replacement of engines and cabins, on which about two million euros were spent.
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