🔗 Share this article

This tragic inclined railway incident in Portugal's capital that took 16 people in early September was attributed to a defective wire, as stated by the authoritative inquiry issued on the start of the week.

The inquiry has urged that Lisbon's equivalent transports be kept non-operational until their operational integrity can be completely assured.

Particulars of the Tragic Event

This crash happened when the historic Glória funicular went off track and collided into a building, stunning the metropolis and highlighting significant fears about the reliability of older landmarks.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF) reported that a wire joining two cabins had detached just before the crash on the third of September.

Initial Results

The preliminary report stated that the cable did not meet the mandatory requirements outlined by the city's public transport company.

This line did not comply with the specifications currently applicable to be used for the Glória funicular.

The detailed document additionally advised that all cable cars in Lisbon should stay non-operational until authorities can verify they have effective brakes able of immobilising the vehicles in the event of a cable break.

Casualties and Injuries

Of the 16 fatalities, 11 were foreign nationals, comprising 3 British nationals, 2 citizens of South Korea, 2 Canadian nationals, one Frenchwoman, a Swiss national, an US national, and one Ukrainian national.

The crash also injured approximately 20 individuals, among them 3 Britons.

The Portuguese fatalities comprised four staff members from the identical social care institution, whose premises are located at the summit of the sharp street used by the cable car.

Historical Details

The Elevador da Glória first opened in 1885, utilizing a system of balancing weights to propel its two cars along its long route ascending and descending a steep incline.

As per investigators, a regular check on the morning of the incident identified nothing unusual with the line that eventually snapped.

This probers also reported that the conductor had activated the vehicle's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to prevent the car without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

This complete crash unfolded in only 50 seconds, per the inquiry.

Upcoming Actions

This investigative body is scheduled to release a conclusive analysis with safety recommendations within the following twelve months, though an intermediary update may provide more information on the development of the probe.