Faulty Line Led to Portuguese Capital Inclined Railway Accident, Probe Determines

This tragic funicular incident in Lisbon that claimed 16 people in early September was caused by a defective line, as stated by the official probe published on the start of the week.

This probe has recommended that Portugal's capital's similar cable cars remain non-operational until their security can be thoroughly assured.

Specifics of the Devastating Event

This collision took place when the historic Elevador da Glória went off track and crashed into a edifice, shocking the city and sparking grave concerns about the reliability of older landmarks.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the bureau) reported that a wire joining two cars had detached moments before the incident on 3 September.

Preliminary Findings

This preliminary document indicated that the cable did not meet the specified requirements set by the local transport operator.

This line did not comply with the specifications in force to be employed for the Glória funicular.

This detailed document further recommended that all cable cars in the capital should stay out of service until authorities can confirm they have sufficient braking systems capable of halting the vehicles in the scenario of a wire failure.

Casualties and Harm

Of the 16 fatalities, eleven were international visitors, including 3 British citizens, 2 South Koreans, two Canadians, one citizen of France, one Swiss national, an US national, and a Ukrainian national.

This crash also injured about 20 people, including three British citizens.

The local casualties included 4 staff members from the identical social care institution, whose offices are situated at the summit of the sharp street used by the funicular.

Historical Information

The Glória was inaugurated in the late 19th century, using a method of counterweights to move its 2 compartments along its long track up and down a steep slope.

According to investigators, a regular check on the date of the accident identified no issues with the line that subsequently snapped.

The probers also stated that the driver had engaged the funicular's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to halt the vehicle without the assistance of the balancing mechanism.

This whole event occurred in merely 50 seconds, per the investigation.

Upcoming Measures

This bureau is scheduled to release a final document with safety recommendations within the next year, though an interim document may offer further details on the status of the investigation.