🔗 Share this article

This tragic funicular crash in Lisbon that took 16 victims in the start of the ninth month was attributed to a defective wire, as stated by the official probe released on Monday.

The probe has urged that the city's comparable cable cars be kept non-operational until their safety can be fully assured.

Particulars of the Devastating Incident

This accident occurred when the historic Elevador da Glória left the rails and collided into a edifice, horrifying the city and sparking serious concerns about the reliability of older tourist attractions.

The nation's transport safety authority (the bureau) stated that a cable linking two cabins had detached moments before the crash on 3 September.

Early Results

The early analysis indicated that the wire was not up to the specified specifications established by the local public transport company.

This cable was not in compliance with the specifications in force to be utilized for the Glória cable car.

This comprehensive analysis also recommended that other inclined railways in the capital must remain non-operational until authorities can confirm they have adequate stopping mechanisms able of stopping the vehicles in the event of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Casualties

Among the sixteen casualties, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising three British nationals, two South Koreans, two Canadian nationals, one French national, one Swiss national, an citizen of the United States, and a Ukrainian.

This incident also injured about 20 people, among them three Britons.

The national fatalities featured 4 workers from the same social care institution, whose offices are situated at the summit of the sheer side road accessed by the funicular.

Background Details

This Glória funicular began operation in the late 19th century, using a method of weight compensation to propel its two cars along its 265-metre track up and down a sharp slope.

As per the bureau, a regular examination on the morning of the incident identified no issues with the line that eventually broke.

This investigators also reported that the operator had applied the vehicle's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to stop the vehicle without the support of the counterweight system.

The entire incident occurred in just under a minute, as stated by the inquiry.

Next Actions

The agency is scheduled to issue a definitive document with safety recommendations within the next year, though an preliminary document may offer further details on the status of the investigation.