On Pentecost Sunday, the gondola with day trippers fell into the depths near Stresa, west of Lake Maggiore, for an initially unexplained cause. 13 people lost their lives at the scene of the accident, a severely injured nine-year-old died a few hours later in the hospital. There were 15 people in the gondola – a five-year-old boy was the only one who survived. A Carabinieri investigator said, according to news agencies, a steel cable had come loose. Where exactly and why remains unclear.
The 1491 meter high Monte Montarrone is known for its view of the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore and its mountain panorama. In winter the area is the destination of many skiers, in summer there are many hikers. Pictures of the fire brigade and the police showed the completely dented cabin on a steep slope in a forest. The rescuers said the area was difficult to access.
Operation only resumed on Saturday
The President of the Piedmont Region, Alberto Cirio (48), called on “Rainews 24” to clarify the accident. Italy is a country of security. The cable cars in Italy have only been able to start operating again for day trippers after months of closure due to the corona pandemic.
The government had recently decided that. Italy wants to gradually relax the corona restrictions. The tourist season should start in June. Finally, the night curfew was shortened and the outdoor catering was opened.
The entire area around Lake Maggiore attracts many vacationers. The Monte Mottarone is one of the popular destinations on the lake. “In twenty minutes from lake to mountain”, that is how the Funivia Stresa-Alpino-Mottarone cable car advertises on its website. The panorama on the summit is said to be one of the most beautiful. According to the Ansa news agency, the railway was last overhauled between 2014 and 2016. (SDA)