According to the Italian news agency ANSA, at least 9 people died as a result of the breakdown of the cable car connecting Lake Maggiore in northern Italy with a mountain nearby, informs UNN.

Firefighters and mine rescue teams work on the territory.

There were 11 people in the cabin that broke off on the Stresa-Mottarone cable car. Two children were flown to Turin by ambulance. The accident could have been caused by a rope break at the highest part of the route, which, starting from Lake Maggiore, reaches a height of 1,491 meters.

The rope was broken 300 meters from the top of the mountain, where the arrival station is located. The cockpit collapsed in a wooded and inaccessible area, making the rescue operation difficult.

This cable car opened on April 24 after a closure period due to COVID-19 restrictions.

- Vigili del Fuoco (@emergenzavvf) May 23, 2021 The Mottarone cable car was closed in 2014 for major renovations, reopened on August 13, 2016. Extraordinary maintenance included replacement of motors, electrical panels, electronic equipment and transformers.