Italian authorities said that 14 people died when a mountaintop cable car crashed into the ground. The cable car was carrying 15 people to the summit of the Mottarone peak, which overlooks Lake Maggiore.
The car was about 100 yards from the final pylon when it plunged into a clearing lined with pine trees. Rescue workers had to be transported to the scene by helicopter and lowered to the ground. They found 12 people dead at the scene and three people, including two children, with injuries.
The survivors were airlifted to the hospital, where two of the individuals were pronounced dead. One of the children remains in critical condition.
Investigators have not determined what caused the tragic accident.
Walter Milan, the spokesman for the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, said the cable line had been renovated in 2016 and had recently reopened after being shut down due to coronavirus restrictions.
"I learned with deep sorrow the news of the tragic accident of the Stresa-Mottarone cable car. I express the condolences on behalf of the whole government to the families of the victims, with a special thought for the children who were seriously injured and their families," Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said in a statement.
Mottarone peak is a popular tourist destination and sits 4,900 feet above sea level. In addition to hiking and bicycle trails, there is an amusement park, which includes a roller coaster that offers 360-degree views of magnificent views of the lake and the Italian Alps.
Photo: Getty Images