Urgent Update: Cable Breaks in Lisbon Funicular Crash, 16 Dead
UPDATE: A preliminary investigation has confirmed that a cable failure caused the tragic funicular crash in Lisbon, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and multiple injuries. The investigation, conducted by the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail (GPIAAF), revealed that a steel cable connecting the two carriages of the historic Glória funicular “gave way” shortly after departing on Wednesday.
The report, published earlier today, states that the cable snapped on Calçada da Glória, the narrow street where the funicular operates, leading to a catastrophic increase in speed. The upper carriage quickly accelerated down the slope, colliding with the ground at approximately 60 km/h (about 37 mph) within 50 seconds of the incident.
According to GPIAAF, a scheduled inspection was performed just hours before the crash, revealing “no anomalies” in the cable or braking systems. However, the exact section where the cable broke was not visible during the inspection. The report emphasizes that the cable, installed 337 days prior, had a designed lifespan of 600 days.
The investigation found that the upper carriage’s brakeman attempted to apply both the pneumatic and hand brakes immediately after the cable failure, but these measures were ineffective in stopping the carriage. The report indicates that the braking systems are inadequate to halt the descent without the balancing force of the cable.
Among the deceased, authorities report the tragic loss of five Portuguese citizens, three Britons, two Canadians, and two South Koreans, with additional victims from Switzerland, Ukraine, the US, and France confirmed. This devastating incident has shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about safety standards on public transport.
GPIAAF has stated that no firm conclusions can yet be drawn regarding the precise causes of this calamity, as further investigations are ongoing. A full preliminary report is expected to be published in 45 days, followed by a comprehensive final report within a year.
As the city mourns the loss of lives, officials are urging a thorough review of safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. The implications of this incident resonate deeply with the public, highlighting the critical need for rigorous maintenance and inspection of transport systems.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and follow for further insights into the investigation’s findings and safety measures moving forward.
