Four dead after cable car accident in Italy

Four people died when a cable car fell to the ground near Naples in southern Italy on Thursday. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into "possible murder," "The Guardian" reported. 

A British woman, an Italian cable car operator and an Israeli woman are among the victims of the accident. Another Israeli man was hospitalized in Ponticelli with serious injuries. According to the hospital, the man, who was intubated and had fractures in his lower limbs, was in stable condition despite the seriousness of his injuries and the tests he needs to undergo. 

At the time of the accident, two cabins were operating on the cable car. The one that was involved in the accident was traveling up the mountain, while 16 people were rescued from the cabin that was turning down and stopped in the middle of the road. 

Italian media reported that one of the cables supporting the cabin had snapped. The cable car service, which opened for the summer and spring seasons 10 days ago, had a maintenance check a week earlier. 

Vincenzo De Luca, president of the Campania region around Naples, announced that rescue operations were hampered by fog and strong winds, which reached 100 km/h on Thursday.

Residents reportedly heard a loud noise before the cabin fell. 

"It was really a very difficult weather situation, so I can imagine what could have happened 1,500 meters above sea level. But, I repeat, the technical checks must be carried out with the greatest rigor," De Luca declared.