A cable car has fallen to the ground near Lake Maggiore in Piedmont, Italy, according to local rescue services.
The carriage was on its way from the small village of Stresa and up to the top of Mottarone which is 1491 meters high, writes Daily fact. It is unclear how many were on board.
At least twelve people have died, reports the news agency AFP. Shortly afterwards, Italian media report that the death toll has increased further – to 13 dead.
AT THE CRIME: Police, firefighters and rescue workers are on scene Sunday. Photo: Stato Police / AFP / NTB
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Sent to hospital
Two children are said to be seriously injured and sent to hospital in Turin, reports Italian Ansa.
The children must be five and nine years old, respectively. An adult is also transported to hospital.
Both firefighters and alpine rescuers are on site.
According to Italian media, the carriage must have fallen off the cable when it was near the top of Mottarone mountain.
– The fall was significant, says Walter Milan from Alpine Rescue Rainews 24, and refers to the extensive damage.
HIGH FALL: Italian authorities will now investigate what caused the tragic accident. Photo: Vigili del Fuoco / AFP / NTB
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Closed for a long time
The cable car ride is popular with tourists and takes around twenty minutes from bottom to top.
The facility was reopened on April 24, after being corona-closed. Before that time, it has also been closed for a long time, due to rehabilitation, writes Italian Corriere della Sera.
The Minister for Sustainability, Infrastructure and Mobility, Enrico Giovannini, has been following the accident closely.
– The ministry has already started the procedures to set up a commission to investigate what happened, and has already started investigations of controls that have previously been performed at the facility, says the minister.
On Monday, he travels to the accident site together with other authorities to get further information about what may have happened and the way forward.
MAJOR DAMAGES: The carriage has major damage after the fall. Photo: Vigili del Fuoco / AFP / NTB
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– Terrible tragedy
– I received the news of the tragic accident with deep grief. I express condolences from the entire government to the families of the victims, and send a special condolence to the severely injured children and their families, said Prime Minister Mario Draghi in a statement.
The President of the Italian Senate, Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati, has expressed his condolences.
– Today is a painful day for the whole country. The tragedy of the cable car tears at the hearts of all Italians. I express my condolences to the innocent victims and send my condolences to the families affected by this terrible tragedy.
– I send a thought to the children who are fighting for their lives. Italy is by their side with hope. A big thank you to the rescue crews.
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