An accident at Italy's Lake Maggiore has claimed 14 lives. A cable car linking the lake to a nearby mountain amusement resort plunged more than 65 feet to the ground. A 5-year-old child survived but remains in a critical condition.
The Stresa-Mottarone cable car was carrying tourists and locals to the top of Mottarone mountain - almost 4,600 feet above sea level - when the accident happened. Stresa Mayor Marcella Severino said the cable car fell to the ground and rolled several times down the mountain before it was stopped by several trees.
"We are devastated, in pain. It's a terrible moment for me and for our community and I think also for the whole of Italy. Especially now that we were just beginning to restart (after the pandemic)," Severino said.
Rescuers said one of the cables holding the car likely broke. People hiking nearby heard the crash and reported the incident.
Rescue workers found two children still alive. However, the eldest - believed to be between nine and 10 years of age - later died in hospital. The younger is in critical condition and has undergone emergency surgery.
Officials said the Stresa-Mottarone cable cars had been certified before they were reopened following being mothballed as a result of the COVID pandemic. Park officials said important maintenance work - including the changing of cables - was carried out.
Italy's Mottarone peak is a popular tourist attraction in the area, giving visitors a view of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alps. The dual cable car system was first opened in 1970. Two cars carry up to 40 passengers each. One car ferries passengers to and from Stresa and Alpino, while the other ferries them between Alpino and Mottarone.
