🔗 Share this article

This deadly inclined railway accident in Lisbon that took 16 people in the beginning of September was attributed to a damaged line, per the authoritative probe released on Monday.

The inquiry has advised that Lisbon's equivalent cable cars be kept halted until their security can be thoroughly confirmed.

Details of the Tragic Accident

The collision occurred when the 19th-century Glória cable car left the rails and collided into a building, stunning the metropolis and raising serious concerns about the safety of older tourist attractions.

Portugal's air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF) reported that a line linking two cars had detached moments before the crash on the third of September.

Preliminary Conclusions

The early document indicated that the wire failed to meet the specified standards established by the city's transport operator.

The cable failed to comply with the standards in force to be used for the Glória funicular.

The 35-page report further recommended that all funiculars in the capital should remain out of service until authorities can verify they have adequate braking systems able of halting the cars in the event of a wire failure.

Victims and Injuries

Of the 16 casualties, 11 were foreign nationals, comprising 3 UK individuals, two citizens of South Korea, 2 Canadian nationals, a citizen of France, a Swiss, an US national, and one Ukrainian national.

The accident also harmed approximately 20 persons, among them three British citizens.

The national victims included four employees from the identical social care institution, whose offices are situated at the top of the sheer alley serviced by the cable car.

Operational Context

This Elevador da Glória first opened in the late 19th century, utilizing a method of counterweights to propel its two wagons along its long route up and down a precipitous incline.

As per the bureau, a standard check on the date of the incident found nothing unusual with the wire that subsequently failed.

This probers also noted that the driver had engaged the funicular's brakes, but they were unable to prevent the car without the function of the counterweight system.

This whole incident occurred in just less than a minute, according to the inquiry.

Upcoming Actions

This bureau is anticipated to issue a definitive analysis with operational suggestions within the coming year, though an preliminary document may offer more updates on the progress of the probe.