The bodies of the five Israelis from the cable car accident in Italy were to be flown to Israel on Wednesday afternoon, as the investigation into the incident reached a critical point with at least three people arrested for their alleged recklessness in operating and maintaining the transport system.
The horrific incident took place near Mount Mottarone peak. A cable car cabin carrying tourists to see the majestic view of the region in Italy's Piedmont region reportedly plunged after a lead cable snapped and the emergency brake failed to engage, resulting in the death of 14 people, including 5 Israelis.
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The sole survivor was Eitan Biran, a five-year-old Israeli whose parents, brother and great-grandparents were killed. He was apparently spared because he was protected by his father as the cabin was tumbling down the mountain.
Doctors decided to wake him up from his induced coma on Tuesday and reported that his internal organs were functioning properly, as well as his nervous system. "This is a great miracle," sources that have been in contact with the family and doctors told Israel Hayom. The boy also opened his eyes after the medication receded and coughed, and briefly saw the psychologist and aunt that had been placed near him to help him cope with the loss and long rehabilitation.
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