Names of British couple killed in Naples cable car crash released

 

Graeme Derek Winn and his wife Margaret Elaine Winn. Pic: Facebook

British Couple Identified Among Victims in Cable Car Tragedy Near Naples

Rescuers reported that only one individual survived the devastating cable car crash near Naples, and they are currently in critical condition. Nine other passengers were safely evacuated from a separate cable car that had become stranded mid-air near the base of the mountain.

The British couple killed in the accident have been identified by Italian media as Graeme Derek Winn, 65, and his wife Margaret Elaine Winn, 58. They were among four people, including an Israeli woman and an Italian man who worked as the cable car operator, who tragically lost their lives in the crash on Thursday. The incident occurred after the cable snapped, according to officials.

Officials said a cable snapped, causing the crash, south of Naples, Italy. Pic: CNSAS

The sole survivor, a second Israeli tourist, is reported to be in a stable but critical condition, as confirmed by the Naples hospital treating him on Friday.

Initially, Margaret Elaine Winn was identified by Italian media, though it is understood she was known as Elaine. The couple were remembered by their friend Chris Mann, who shared his sorrow on social media, describing them as "good friends" who enjoyed retirement by taking motorbike tours and holidays. He expressed his grief in a Facebook post, saying, "How incredibly sad."

A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) stated, "We are supporting the families of a British couple who have died in Italy and are in contact with local authorities."

Following the accident, nine passengers who had been stuck in a separate cable car near the foot of the mountain were rescued in a complex operation involving harnesses. Footage from RAI television and other media outlets captured the challenging rescue operation.

Italy's alpine rescue teams, alongside firefighters, police, and civil protection services, responded swiftly to the scene.

Rescuers and emergency services at the scene. Pic: AP

The incident occurred just one week after the cable car, which offers stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, reopened for the tourist season. The service typically attracts around 110,000 visitors annually.

Umberto De Gregorio, chairman of the EAV public transport company responsible for the Mount Faito cable car, described the incident as a "tragedy" and confirmed that the service would remain closed "for a long time." He also assured the public that an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Prior to reopening, the cable car had undergone three months of testing, with daily safety checks.

"Everything that needed to be done was done," De Gregorio stated. "Evidently, something went wrong, but we don't know if it was an unforeseen event or human error. Investigators will find out."

People being rescued from a second cable car that became stuck after the incident

He also shared a personal connection to the tragedy, revealing that one of the victims was an employee he knew well. "I knew him, and yesterday I saw his heartbroken wife. We hugged each other. There is so much emotion."