🔗 Share this article

This fatal funicular crash in Lisbon that took 16 lives in the start of the ninth month was attributed to a defective cable, per the formal investigation released on Monday.

This probe has urged that Portugal's capital's similar transports be kept non-operational until their safety can be thoroughly assured.

Specifics of the Devastating Accident

The accident occurred when the old Glória cable car derailed and collided into a edifice, stunning the city and raising significant worries about the reliability of historic visitor sites.

The nation's accident investigation agency (the investigative body) reported that a line joining two compartments had come loose moments before the crash on the third of September.

Initial Conclusions

The preliminary report stated that the wire did not meet the mandatory standards established by the local transit authority.

The line was not in compliance with the requirements in force to be utilized for the Glória cable car.

The detailed report further recommended that other funiculars in Lisbon should stay out of service until authorities can verify they have adequate brakes designed of halting the cars in the scenario of a line snap.

Casualties and Casualties

Of the 16 fatalities, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising 3 British individuals, 2 South Koreans, 2 citizens of Canada, one Frenchwoman, a Swiss national, one American, and a Ukrainian.

The accident also hurt approximately 20 individuals, among them 3 British citizens.

Among the local fatalities included 4 workers from the equivalent social care institution, whose offices are located at the top of the steep side road accessed by the inclined railway.

Historical Details

This Glória funicular began operation in 1885, utilizing a mechanism of counterweights to move its two wagons along its 265-metre track ascending and descending a steep slope.

As per authorities, a standard examination on the morning of the incident identified nothing unusual with the line that subsequently snapped.

This investigators also reported that the driver had engaged the vehicle's braking system, but they were powerless to halt the car without the support of the weight compensation system.

The complete incident transpired in just less than a minute, as stated by the probe.

Upcoming Measures

The agency is scheduled to issue a definitive report with operational recommendations within the coming year, though an intermediary report may provide additional details on the progress of the inquiry.