🔗 Share this article

This fatal funicular crash in Lisbon that took 16 people in the start of the ninth month was caused by a faulty line, per the official probe issued on the start of the week.

The investigation has advised that Lisbon's equivalent transports remain out of service until their operational integrity can be completely assured.

Specifics of the Deadly Event

The collision happened when the 19th-century Glória funicular left the rails and crashed into a edifice, stunning the metropolis and raising grave concerns about the safety of older tourist attractions.

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

Early Findings

The initial analysis indicated that the wire was not up to the mandatory standards outlined by the local transport operator.

This line did not comply with the requirements mandated to be utilized for the Glória cable car.

The detailed document additionally urged that all cable cars in the capital must be kept out of service until experts can confirm they have effective stopping mechanisms capable of stopping the cars in the event of a line snap.

Fatalities and Casualties

Of the sixteen casualties, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising three British individuals, 2 South Koreans, two Canadians, a French national, one citizen of Switzerland, an American, and one Ukrainian national.

This incident also injured approximately twenty individuals, among them 3 British citizens.

Among the Portuguese victims comprised 4 workers from the identical welfare organization, whose offices are positioned at the top of the sharp alley accessed by the cable car.

Background Information

This Glória funicular began operation in 1885, using a mechanism of weight compensation to propel its two compartments along its 265-metre path ascending and descending a sharp slope.

According to authorities, a standard inspection on the date of the accident detected no anomalies with the cable that subsequently snapped.

The investigators also reported that the operator had activated the funicular's stopping mechanism, but they were unable to halt the carriage without the support of the counterweight system.

This whole event unfolded in just less than a minute, according to the inquiry.

Next Measures

This investigative body is scheduled to publish a final report with operational recommendations within the following twelve months, though an intermediary update may deliver further information on the progress of the probe.