A major cable car incident in the Italian Alps on Tuesday resulted in multiple injuries and a large-scale helicopter rescue operation for around 100 stranded passengers.
Collision at the Station
The accident occurred near the resort of Macugnaga in the Piedmont region. According to initial reports, a cabin failed to slow down as it approached a station, leading to a collision with a barrier. The impact caused injuries to three passengers inside the upper cabin and the operator stationed at ground level.
Officials were quick to confirm that, despite the shock of the incident, none of the injuries were life-threatening. The emergency response was immediately activated following the crash on Tuesday, 30 December 2025.
Large-Scale Aerial Rescue Operation
With the cable car system immobilised, approximately 100 people were left stranded at the upper station on Monte Moro mountain. The group included children and foreign tourists enjoying the winter holiday period.
Rescue services deployed helicopters to airlift the stranded individuals to safety in a complex operation. The swift closure of nearby ski slopes ensured no further risks to the public in the immediate aftermath.
Service History and Investigation
The cable car service involved has been a fixture of the area since 1962. It underwent a significant refurbishment just two years ago, prior to this incident. Following the crash, the service has been halted indefinitely.
Authorities will now focus on determining the precise cause of the mechanical failure that prevented the cabin from decelerating. The investigation will scrutinise the recent refurbishment work and the system's overall maintenance protocols.
