The Monte Faito cable car accident on April 17, 2025, which killed four people and injured one, has raised questions about maintenance, particularly regarding the brakes. Italian media, including la Repubblica, reported that the cable car, operational since 1952, underwent maintenance and was deemed safe ten days before the crash. However, investigations are focusing on the cables and a reportedly jammed brake system.
No direct evidence confirms the Galvi company, a manufacturer of industrial brakes since 1962, supplied the brakes for the Monte Faito cable car. Galvi produces durable shoe and disc brakes for heavy-duty applications like cranes and conveyors, designed for longevity with features like self-lubricating bushes and corrosion-resistant coatings. A claim that the brakes were “never replaced in 36 years” appears in your query but is not corroborated by any reports I found. This could stem from unverified speculation or misinformation circulating post-accident, possibly on platforms like X, though no such posts were identified.
Investigators are examining maintenance records, the condition of the cables, and the brake system’s functionality, as dense fog and a cable snap were factors in the crash. Given Galvi’s reputation for robust brakes, if they were involved, a 36-year lifespan without replacement seems improbable without regular maintenance, but no evidence ties them directly to this incident.
If you have a specific source for the Galvi claim or want me to search further for maintenance details, let me know!
