🔗 Share this article

The tragic cable car crash in Portugal's capital that claimed 16 lives in the start of the ninth month was caused by a damaged line, according to the official investigation released on Monday.

The probe has recommended that Lisbon's similar vehicles stay out of service until their security can be thoroughly assured.

Details of the Tragic Event

The crash happened when the 19th-century Elevador da Glória derailed and smashed into a structure, horrifying the capital and highlighting grave fears about the safety of older tourist attractions.

The nation's air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF) noted that a wire joining two cars had come loose moments before the crash on the third of September.

Preliminary Findings

The initial analysis indicated that the wire was not up to the specified standards set by the city's public transport company.

The wire failed to comply with the standards mandated to be used for the Glória cable car.

The 35-page document further advised that the remaining inclined railways in the city ought to stay out of service until experts can ensure they have sufficient braking systems designed of immobilising the cars in the scenario of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Injuries

Of the sixteen victims, 11 were foreign nationals, comprising three British individuals, 2 Korean nationals, 2 citizens of Canada, one citizen of France, a citizen of Switzerland, an American, and a citizen of Ukraine.

The accident also injured about 20 individuals, comprising three British citizens.

Among the Portuguese casualties comprised 4 staff members from the equivalent care facility, whose workplace are located at the summit of the sheer side road accessed by the cable car.

Operational Information

The Glória funicular was inaugurated in the late 19th century, using a system of balancing weights to propel its 2 cars along its long path up and down a sharp slope.

Based on the bureau, a standard examination on the morning of the incident identified no issues with the cable that subsequently failed.

The probers also noted that the operator had applied the cable car's braking system, but they were powerless to halt the carriage without the function of the balancing mechanism.

This entire crash occurred in just less than a minute, as stated by the probe.

Next Actions

This agency is anticipated to publish a definitive report with security guidelines within the coming year, though an preliminary update may deliver further updates on the status of the probe.