🔗 Share this article

This tragic cable car crash in Lisbon that took sixteen people in the beginning of September was triggered by a defective wire, per the official probe issued on Monday.

The investigation has urged that Portugal's capital's equivalent vehicles stay out of service until their safety can be fully confirmed.

Specifics of the Tragic Incident

The accident took place when the old Glória funicular derailed and smashed into a structure, shocking the city and sparking grave fears about the safety of historic landmarks.

The nation's accident investigation agency (GPIAAF) stated that a cable connecting two cars had disconnected just before the incident on September 3rd.

Initial Conclusions

This early analysis stated that the line did not meet the specified requirements established by the local public transport company.

This cable failed to comply with the specifications mandated to be employed for the Glória cable car.

The detailed document also recommended that the remaining cable cars in the city ought to remain suspended until experts can verify they have adequate brakes able of halting the cars in the case of a cable break.

Victims and Harm

Of the sixteen fatalities, eleven were foreign nationals, comprising three UK individuals, two citizens of South Korea, two Canadians, one Frenchwoman, one Swiss national, an American, and one Ukrainian national.

This crash also harmed approximately 20 people, comprising three British citizens.

Among the local victims comprised four staff members from the identical welfare organization, whose workplace are situated at the top of the sheer side road used by the inclined railway.

Operational Context

The Elevador da Glória first opened in the late 19th century, employing a method of balancing weights to propel its two cars along its long track up and down a sharp hill.

According to investigators, a standard inspection on the morning of the crash found no issues with the cable that later failed.

This probers also reported that the operator had activated the funicular's stopping mechanism, but they were powerless to halt the vehicle without the function of the weight compensation system.

The complete event occurred in merely less than a minute, per the investigation.

Next Actions

The bureau is expected to release a conclusive analysis with safety suggestions within the next year, though an preliminary report may provide further updates on the development of the investigation.