🔗 Share this article

This deadly cable car incident in Portugal's capital that cost sixteen lives in the start of the ninth month was triggered by a damaged wire, as stated by the official investigation published on the start of the week.

This probe has urged that Portugal's capital's similar transports remain out of service until their security can be completely assured.

Details of the Devastating Accident

This collision occurred when the old Elevador da Glória left the rails and smashed into a structure, shocking the city and raising significant concerns about the reliability of older visitor sites.

The country's accident investigation agency (GPIAAF) stated that a wire connecting two compartments had detached moments before the incident on 3 September.

Early Conclusions

The preliminary document confirmed that the line did not meet the specified standards outlined by the urban transit authority.

This wire did not comply with the specifications currently applicable to be used for the Glória cable car.

This detailed analysis also advised that the remaining cable cars in Lisbon should stay non-operational until inspectors can ensure they have sufficient braking systems designed of immobilising the cars in the scenario of a cable break.

Casualties and Casualties

Of the 16 casualties, 11 were international visitors, including three British individuals, 2 South Koreans, two Canadian nationals, a citizen of France, one citizen of Switzerland, one citizen of the United States, and a Ukrainian national.

This crash also injured around 20 persons, comprising 3 UK nationals.

The national victims included 4 workers from the identical social care institution, whose workplace are positioned at the peak of the sharp alley accessed by the inclined railway.

Background Context

This Glória began operation in the late 19th century, employing a mechanism of counterweights to move its 2 cars along its 870-foot track ascending and descending a precipitous slope.

According to the bureau, a regular inspection on the date of the incident identified nothing unusual with the wire that later snapped.

This experts also stated that the operator had applied the funicular's braking system, but they were unable to prevent the car without the function of the balancing mechanism.

This entire crash unfolded in just less than a minute, as stated by the inquiry.

Future Actions

This bureau is scheduled to publish a definitive report with safety guidelines within the next year, though an interim report may deliver more updates on the progress of the investigation.