🔗 Share this article

This deadly cable car crash in Portugal's capital that claimed sixteen victims in early September was caused by a damaged wire, according to the official investigation published on Monday.

This probe has urged that Portugal's capital's comparable cable cars be kept halted until their operational integrity can be completely assured.

Particulars of the Deadly Accident

This collision occurred when the old Glória funicular left the rails and smashed into a edifice, horrifying the city and raising serious concerns about the safety of older visitor sites.

Portugal's accident investigation agency (the bureau) stated that a cable joining two compartments had come loose shortly before the crash on 3 September.

Early Findings

This early analysis stated that the cable did not meet the specified specifications established by the city's transport operator.

The wire was not in compliance with the requirements currently applicable to be used for the Glória funicular.

The comprehensive document further advised that the remaining funiculars in the city must remain out of service until authorities can confirm they have adequate brakes capable of stopping the cars in the scenario of a wire failure.

Casualties and Injuries

Of the sixteen victims, eleven were foreign nationals, including 3 UK citizens, two South Koreans, two citizens of Canada, a French national, one Swiss national, one citizen of the United States, and a Ukrainian.

This incident also injured about twenty individuals, among them 3 British citizens.

Among the local victims comprised 4 workers from the identical welfare organization, whose premises are situated at the top of the sharp street serviced by the inclined railway.

Operational Information

The Glória was inaugurated in 1885, utilizing a system of weight compensation to move its 2 compartments along its 870-foot track up and down a steep slope.

According to investigators, a routine check on the day of the accident found no anomalies with the cable that eventually snapped.

The probers also stated that the conductor had applied the vehicle's braking system, but they were incapable to stop the vehicle without the support of the balancing mechanism.

The complete incident unfolded in just 50 seconds, as stated by the investigation.

Next Actions

This bureau is expected to issue a definitive document with security recommendations within the following twelve months, though an interim update may provide more information on the progress of the probe.