🔗 Share this article

This tragic funicular crash in Lisbon that took 16 victims in the beginning of September was attributed to a defective line, according to the authoritative investigation published on the start of the week.

The probe has urged that the city's equivalent cable cars be kept out of service until their operational integrity can be completely verified.

Details of the Tragic Incident

The crash occurred when the 19th-century Glória cable car derailed and crashed into a building, stunning the city and highlighting significant worries about the safety of ageing visitor sites.

Portugal's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the investigative body) stated that a wire linking two compartments had come loose shortly before the tragedy on the third of September.

Initial Findings

This preliminary analysis confirmed that the cable was not up to the required specifications established by the urban transport operator.

The line was not in compliance with the specifications currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória funicular.

This 35-page document additionally urged that other inclined railways in Lisbon must be kept suspended until inspectors can ensure they have adequate stopping mechanisms designed of stopping the cars in the case of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Casualties

Among the 16 fatalities, 11 were international visitors, comprising three British nationals, 2 Korean nationals, two Canadian nationals, one French national, one Swiss, one US national, and one citizen of Ukraine.

This accident also harmed around twenty people, including three UK nationals.

The Portuguese victims featured 4 staff members from the equivalent social care institution, whose offices are positioned at the summit of the sharp alley serviced by the cable car.

Historical Information

This Glória first opened in the late 19th century, using a system of counterweights to propel its 2 cars along its 870-foot track up and down a precipitous incline.

Based on the bureau, a regular check on the morning of the crash found no anomalies with the cable that later snapped.

This probers also reported that the driver had applied the funicular's brakes, but they were unable to stop the vehicle without the assistance of the balancing mechanism.

This complete incident transpired in only under a minute, per the inquiry.

Future Measures

This agency is expected to release a definitive document with operational recommendations within the next year, though an interim update may offer further updates on the status of the investigation.