🔗 Share this article

This tragic funicular crash in Portugal's capital that claimed sixteen people in early September was triggered by a damaged line, per the formal probe published on Monday.

The inquiry has advised that Lisbon's comparable cable cars stay out of service until their security can be fully assured.

Details of the Devastating Event

The accident happened when the historic Glória cable car left the rails and crashed into a edifice, shocking the metropolis and sparking serious fears about the security of ageing tourist attractions.

The nation's transport safety authority (the investigative body) stated that a cable joining two cars had detached just before the crash on 3 September.

Preliminary Results

This early report indicated that the wire failed to meet the required standards established by the urban transport operator.

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

The detailed analysis additionally advised that other funiculars in the capital should be kept out of service until authorities can verify they have adequate stopping mechanisms designed of immobilising the cabins in the case of a cable break.

Casualties and Harm

Among the 16 fatalities, eleven were foreign nationals, including 3 British nationals, two citizens of South Korea, 2 citizens of Canada, one Frenchwoman, a citizen of Switzerland, one citizen of the United States, and a Ukrainian national.

This incident also injured around twenty people, comprising three British citizens.

Among the Portuguese victims comprised four staff members from the identical care facility, whose premises are situated at the top of the sheer street serviced by the funicular.

Operational Context

The Glória was inaugurated in the late 19th century, utilizing a mechanism of counterweights to drive its two cars along its 870-foot path ascending and descending a sharp hill.

According to authorities, a regular inspection on the day of the incident detected nothing unusual with the wire that eventually snapped.

The experts also reported that the conductor had applied the cable car's braking system, but they were unable to stop the carriage without the support of the balancing mechanism.

The entire event transpired in merely under a minute, per the inquiry.

Upcoming Steps

This bureau is expected to issue a conclusive analysis with operational suggestions within the coming year, though an intermediary update may deliver further details on the status of the inquiry.