The tragedy that occurred on Sunday in a mountain north of Milan is the dramatic consequence of multiple failures
The traction cable that was pulling the gondola up broke and the emergency braking system on the main cable that was supporting the weight of the gondola did not engage. The gondola went abruptly backwards down the slope, before apparently hitting a pylon, falling to the ground where it rolled before hitting trees. This explains the very heavy toll.
The 2 year old child who was in critical condition died in hospital. His 5 year old brother, the only survivor among the 15 passengers, will be brought out of an induced coma today. His vital prognosis is critical.
