🔗 Share this article

The deadly funicular crash in Lisbon that claimed 16 people in early September was attributed to a faulty cable, according to the authoritative inquiry published on the start of the week.

The investigation has urged that the city's comparable cable cars stay halted until their security can be completely verified.

Specifics of the Tragic Accident

The accident happened when the historic Glória funicular went off track and collided into a building, horrifying the metropolis and highlighting significant concerns about the safety of historic visitor sites.

The nation's accident investigation agency (GPIAAF) stated that a wire connecting two cars had detached shortly before the tragedy on September 3rd.

Preliminary Findings

The preliminary analysis confirmed that the cable did not meet the mandatory standards outlined by the city's public transport company.

The cable did not comply with the requirements currently applicable to be used for the Glória tram.

This 35-page document additionally recommended that all cable cars in the capital ought to be kept out of service until experts can confirm they have effective braking systems able of immobilising the vehicles in the case of a line snap.

Casualties and Injuries

Among the 16 victims, eleven were international visitors, comprising three British citizens, 2 South Koreans, two Canadian nationals, a French national, one Swiss national, one citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian national.

The incident also hurt around 20 individuals, including 3 Britons.

The national fatalities included four employees from the equivalent welfare organization, whose offices are situated at the summit of the sheer street serviced by the inclined railway.

Historical Context

This Glória funicular first opened in 1885, employing a system of counterweights to move its two cars along its 870-foot track up and down a sharp incline.

Based on authorities, a routine examination on the morning of the incident found no issues with the cable that later failed.

The investigators also noted that the operator had engaged the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to prevent the carriage without the support of the counterweight system.

This entire incident transpired in just under a minute, per the probe.

Future Measures

This investigative body is expected to publish a definitive analysis with security recommendations within the next year, though an interim document may provide further updates on the development of the probe.