Defective Cable Caused Lisbon Funicular Accident, Inquiry Finds
The tragic cable car accident in Lisbon that cost sixteen people in the beginning of September was attributed to a defective line, as stated by the formal inquiry issued on Monday.
This inquiry has recommended that Lisbon's comparable transports be kept out of service until their safety can be completely verified.
Specifics of the Tragic Accident
This accident happened when the historic Glória cable car derailed and crashed into a structure, shocking the city and sparking significant fears about the security of ageing tourist attractions.
Portugal's air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF) noted that a wire linking two cars had come loose shortly before the tragedy on the third of September.
Preliminary Results
This preliminary report stated that the line failed to meet the required requirements set by the city's transit authority.
This cable did not comply with the standards mandated to be used for the Glória tram.
The comprehensive report also urged that other inclined railways in the capital must stay suspended until experts can verify they have effective stopping mechanisms able of halting the cars in the scenario of a cable break.
Casualties and Harm
Of the sixteen casualties, 11 were international visitors, including three British individuals, 2 citizens of South Korea, 2 citizens of Canada, one Frenchwoman, a citizen of Switzerland, an citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian national.
This accident also injured around twenty individuals, comprising 3 UK nationals.
Among the Portuguese casualties comprised 4 staff members from the same care facility, whose workplace are located at the top of the sharp alley serviced by the funicular.
Operational Information
The Elevador da Glória first opened in 1885, using a mechanism of counterweights to propel its two wagons along its long route climbing and descending a steep slope.
According to investigators, a regular examination on the date of the accident detected no issues with the line that eventually broke.
This experts also reported that the operator had engaged the cable car's braking system, but they were unable to halt the car without the support of the weight compensation system.
The entire incident occurred in just under a minute, according to the probe.
Upcoming Actions
This agency is anticipated to issue a final report with safety recommendations within the following twelve months, though an preliminary report may provide additional information on the progress of the inquiry.