Cable Car Crash in Macugnaga, Italy: 6 Injured, 100 Evacuated After Brake Failure
A major cable car crash in northern Italy on Tuesday triggered a large-scale alpine rescue operation after a cabin failed to brake, injuring at least six people and leaving approximately 100 passengers stranded at high altitude near the Alpine village of Macugnaga.
The accident occurred in the Piedmont region at around 11:25 a.m. local time on the cable car line connecting the valley to the Monte Moro area. Preliminary reports indicate an incoming cabin failed to decelerate upon reaching the upper station, crashing into a protective barrier. The force of the impact caused the companion descending cabin to also strike station infrastructure.
Injuries and Rescue Operation
Authorities confirmed six people were injured in the collision. The most seriously hurt was a 59-year-old man who sustained an arm wound and was airlifted to a hospital by helicopter. Other passengers suffered minor bruises and abrasions. Officials confirmed no life-threatening injuries and expect all victims to recover.
The crash left roughly 100 people stranded, including tourists, hikers, children, and five cable car employees. A complex rescue mission was immediately launched involving the Civil Alpine Rescue Service (CNSAS), firefighters, police, and specialist units. Helicopters from the fire service and the Guardia di Finanza conducted a helicopter evacuation from the rugged terrain. By mid-afternoon, all stranded individuals had been safely brought down to the valley, many having been sheltered in mountain refuges near the Passo Moro station during the operation.
Suspected Cause: Technical Brake Failure
The cable car operator, Macugnaga Trasporti e Servizi, indicated the likely cause was a technical malfunction in the braking or deceleration system. Initial reconstructions suggest the cabin did not slow as programmed when entering the station.
Filippo Besozzi, the managing director of the operating company, stated the system’s failure to decelerate was the probable cause but emphasized that safety protocols and rapid emergency response prevented more serious outcomes. Emergency systems activated automatically, and manual intervention by onboard staff may have helped mitigate the impact.
Safety Context and Recent Renovations
The Macugnaga cable car, originally built in 1962, is a critical transport link for skiers and tourists visiting Monte Moro. Notably, the system underwent a €2 million renovation in early 2023, which included replacing engines, pulleys, cables, and cabins.
This incident raises questions about cable car safety in Italy, coming just years after the 2021 Mottarone cable car disaster that killed 14 people. While unrelated, it underscores the inherent risks of alpine transport systems.
Impact on Tourism and Next Steps
Following the accident, the nearby ski slopes were closed, and cable car operations were suspended indefinitely pending a full technical investigation. The timing is significant, occurring during the peak holiday and ski season, and is likely to impact local tourism in the short term.
Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure. While early signs point to the deceleration mechanism, detailed engineering assessments will be required to establish conclusive findings and recommend preventative measures.
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Conclusion: Successful Rescue Amidst Alarm
Despite the alarming nature of the crash, the coordinated emergency response in Italy’s Alps proved highly effective. The successful mass evacuation without further injury demonstrated robust crisis capabilities. Officials have moved to reassure the public while the investigation continues. Tourists planning visits to the Macugnaga area are advised to seek updates from local authorities and transport operators regarding the status of cable car services and mountain activities.
