Faulty Line Caused Portuguese Capital Funicular Collapse, Inquiry Reveals

This fatal cable car crash in Lisbon that took sixteen lives in early September was attributed to a faulty cable, as stated by the authoritative investigation published on the start of the week.

The investigation has urged that the city's similar cable cars stay halted until their operational integrity can be thoroughly verified.

Particulars of the Devastating Incident

This accident happened when the old Glória cable car went off track and crashed into a structure, stunning the metropolis and highlighting grave fears about the safety of historic tourist attractions.

The nation's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the bureau) noted that a wire joining two cars had detached shortly before the tragedy on the third of September.

Early Findings

This preliminary report confirmed that the cable failed to meet the mandatory standards set by the local public transport company.

The cable failed to comply with the standards mandated to be employed for the Glória funicular.

The 35-page document also advised that all inclined railways in the city ought to stay suspended until experts can verify they have adequate braking systems designed of immobilising the cabins in the scenario of a line snap.

Fatalities and Injuries

Among the sixteen casualties, eleven were foreign nationals, comprising three British nationals, two Korean nationals, two Canadians, a Frenchwoman, a citizen of Switzerland, one American, and one Ukrainian.

The accident also harmed about 20 individuals, including 3 Britons.

The national victims included four employees from the identical social care institution, whose premises are located at the peak of the sharp alley used by the cable car.

Background Information

This Glória funicular was inaugurated in the late 19th century, utilizing a mechanism of counterweights to drive its two compartments along its 265-metre track up and down a steep slope.

As per investigators, a standard check on the day of the accident identified nothing unusual with the cable that subsequently snapped.

The experts also noted that the driver had engaged the funicular's stopping mechanism, but they were powerless to stop the car without the support of the counterweight system.

This entire event occurred in just 50 seconds, according to the investigation.

Future Steps

This investigative body is scheduled to release a conclusive analysis with operational recommendations within the coming year, though an preliminary report may deliver additional details on the development of the probe.

Sara Wilson
Sara Wilson

A tech enthusiast and reviewer with a passion for exploring cutting-edge innovations and sharing practical insights.