Defective Line Caused Lisbon Cable Car Collapse, Inquiry Reveals

The tragic funicular crash in Lisbon that took 16 people in the beginning of September was caused by a faulty line, per the official inquiry issued on Monday.

This probe has advised that Lisbon's comparable cable cars be kept non-operational until their operational integrity can be fully confirmed.

Particulars of the Tragic Incident

The crash happened when the 19th-century Elevador da Glória derailed and collided into a edifice, horrifying the metropolis and sparking grave fears about the security of ageing tourist attractions.

Portugal's air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF) stated that a cable joining two cars had detached just before the incident on September 3rd.

Preliminary Findings

This preliminary report stated that the wire was not up to the required specifications set by the urban public transport company.

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

This 35-page document additionally urged that all funiculars in Lisbon ought to stay suspended until inspectors can verify they have sufficient braking systems capable of halting the cabins in the case of a wire failure.

Casualties and Harm

Among the 16 fatalities, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising 3 UK individuals, two South Koreans, 2 Canadians, one Frenchwoman, one Swiss national, one American, and a citizen of Ukraine.

The accident also injured approximately 20 persons, comprising three UK nationals.

Among the national casualties featured 4 workers from the identical care facility, whose workplace are situated at the top of the steep side road accessed by the cable car.

Background Information

This Elevador da Glória first opened in 1885, employing a system of balancing weights to move its 2 cars along its 870-foot route ascending and descending a steep hill.

Based on the bureau, a routine examination on the day of the accident detected nothing unusual with the wire that eventually failed.

This investigators also reported that the conductor had activated the funicular's braking system, but they were incapable to prevent the car without the function of the counterweight system.

This entire incident unfolded in merely 50 seconds, according to the inquiry.

Upcoming Measures

This agency is anticipated to issue a definitive report with security recommendations within the coming year, though an preliminary update may offer more information on the development of the inquiry.