From the outside, cable cars and funiculars inspire a sense of wonder. They glide silently across valleys, ascend rugged slopes, and trace delicate lines through landscapes where roads would be impossible. For passengers, it can be a magical experience, but the truth is that these machines are not entirely invulnerable.
A snapped cable, a disabled brake, or a misjudged maneuver can transform an ordinary ride into a terrifying plunge. In those moments, there is little margin for survival, and tragedies unfold in ways that communities never forget.
Over the years, cable cars and funiculars have caused a number of deaths. Click on to find out which have been the most horrendous.