Faulty Line Led to Portuguese Capital Cable Car Collapse, Investigation Reveals

This deadly cable car accident in Lisbon that took sixteen victims in the beginning of September was triggered by a damaged wire, according to the formal inquiry published on Monday.

This investigation has advised that Portugal's capital's similar vehicles be kept non-operational until their security can be fully verified.

Specifics of the Devastating Accident

The crash occurred when the historic Glória funicular went off track and collided into a structure, horrifying the capital and raising significant fears about the security of historic visitor sites.

The nation's accident investigation agency (the bureau) reported that a wire connecting two compartments had detached just before the tragedy on the third of September.

Initial Results

The early document stated that the cable did not meet the required requirements set by the urban public transport company.

The line did not comply with the standards currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória cable car.

This 35-page document further urged that all funiculars in the capital must be kept non-operational until experts can ensure they have sufficient braking systems capable of immobilising the cabins in the event of a cable break.

Victims and Casualties

Among the sixteen casualties, 11 were international visitors, comprising 3 British individuals, 2 South Koreans, 2 Canadian nationals, one Frenchwoman, a Swiss, an American, and one citizen of Ukraine.

The crash also harmed around 20 people, including 3 Britons.

Among the local victims comprised four staff members from the identical welfare organization, whose offices are located at the summit of the steep street accessed by the cable car.

Historical Details

This Glória first opened in the late 19th century, using a method of counterweights to propel its two compartments along its 265-metre track climbing and descending a sharp hill.

Based on the bureau, a standard check on the morning of the accident found no issues with the cable that eventually broke.

The probers also reported that the conductor had engaged the funicular's braking system, but they were unable to halt the car without the function of the counterweight system.

This entire incident transpired in merely under a minute, per the inquiry.

Next Measures

The bureau is anticipated to release a final document with operational recommendations within the coming year, though an intermediary report may provide more information on the progress of the investigation.

Alyssa Palmer
Alyssa Palmer

Elena is a sound designer and audio engineer with over a decade of experience in creating immersive auditory experiences for diverse media.