Damaged Line Resulted in Lisbon Cable Car Crash, Investigation Reveals

The deadly funicular incident in Lisbon that took sixteen victims in the start of the ninth month was attributed to a defective line, as stated by the authoritative probe issued on the start of the week.

The probe has advised that the city's equivalent vehicles stay out of service until their safety can be completely verified.

Particulars of the Devastating Accident

This collision happened when the old Elevador da Glória left the rails and smashed into a building, horrifying the metropolis and sparking serious concerns about the safety of older tourist attractions.

Portugal's accident investigation agency (the bureau) stated that a wire joining two cabins had come loose just before the crash on September 3rd.

Early Findings

The initial analysis stated that the line failed to meet the mandatory requirements set by the local public transport company.

The cable was not in compliance with the requirements currently applicable to be used for the Glória cable car.

The 35-page report also advised that all funiculars in the city should stay non-operational until authorities can ensure they have sufficient braking systems capable of immobilising the cars in the event of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Injuries

Of the sixteen victims, eleven were international visitors, including three British individuals, 2 citizens of South Korea, two Canadians, a French national, a Swiss, one American, and a Ukrainian national.

The crash also harmed about twenty persons, comprising three UK nationals.

Among the Portuguese victims featured 4 workers from the identical welfare organization, whose workplace are situated at the top of the sharp alley accessed by the inclined railway.

Background Context

This Glória funicular first opened in the late 19th century, employing a system of weight compensation to propel its 2 cars along its long track up and down a sharp incline.

As per the bureau, a routine inspection on the date of the incident found no anomalies with the line that later failed.

The experts also noted that the operator had activated the funicular's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to stop the car without the function of the counterweight system.

The whole crash unfolded in merely under a minute, according to the investigation.

Next Steps

This bureau is expected to issue a final analysis with operational guidelines within the following twelve months, though an interim report may provide further updates on the progress of the investigation.

David Baker
David Baker

Investigative journalist and consumer advocate with a focus on corporate accountability and sustainability issues.