🔗 Share this article

The deadly funicular accident in Portugal's capital that took 16 victims in the start of the ninth month was triggered by a defective cable, according to the official inquiry published on Monday.

The investigation has advised that the city's comparable cable cars remain halted until their security can be thoroughly verified.

Details of the Devastating Event

This collision occurred when the old Glória funicular left the rails and crashed into a structure, horrifying the metropolis and highlighting serious concerns about the reliability of historic landmarks.

The nation's accident investigation agency (the bureau) reported that a line joining two cars had detached shortly before the tragedy on 3 September.

Preliminary Conclusions

The initial analysis confirmed that the wire did not meet the specified standards established by the local transit authority.

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

This comprehensive document also advised that other inclined railways in the capital must remain out of service until authorities can verify they have effective brakes designed of immobilising the vehicles in the case of a wire failure.

Victims and Injuries

Of the 16 victims, 11 were non-Portuguese citizens, featuring three British individuals, 2 Korean nationals, 2 Canadian nationals, a French national, a citizen of Switzerland, an American, and one citizen of Ukraine.

This crash also harmed about 20 persons, comprising three British citizens.

The Portuguese casualties featured 4 staff members from the equivalent social care institution, whose premises are positioned at the peak of the steep street accessed by the cable car.

Operational Context

This Glória began operation in 1885, utilizing a system of balancing weights to move its 2 wagons along its 265-metre track up and down a precipitous slope.

As per investigators, a standard inspection on the morning of the accident identified no issues with the line that eventually snapped.

This probers also noted that the conductor had engaged the cable car's braking system, but they were incapable to stop the carriage without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

The entire crash transpired in only less than a minute, according to the investigation.

Next Actions

This investigative body is anticipated to release a final report with security suggestions within the following twelve months, though an preliminary document may provide further details on the progress of the investigation.