Defective Cable Led to Portuguese Capital Cable Car Accident, Probe Reveals

The fatal cable car accident in Lisbon that took 16 people in early September was triggered by a faulty wire, per the authoritative investigation issued on Monday.

The probe has advised that Lisbon's similar vehicles be kept halted until their operational integrity can be fully assured.

Details of the Deadly Event

This collision occurred when the old Elevador da Glória derailed and collided into a structure, horrifying the metropolis and highlighting grave fears about the security of ageing tourist attractions.

Portugal's transport safety authority (the investigative body) stated that a line connecting two cars had detached shortly before the crash on 3 September.

Early Findings

The early report indicated that the wire failed to meet the required requirements established by the city's transport operator.

This cable failed to comply with the standards in force to be employed for the Glória tram.

The 35-page document additionally recommended that all funiculars in the capital ought to stay suspended until authorities can verify they have sufficient braking systems capable of immobilising the cars in the case of a line snap.

Victims and Injuries

Among the 16 fatalities, 11 were foreign nationals, including three British nationals, two South Koreans, 2 Canadians, a French national, a Swiss national, an US national, and one citizen of Ukraine.

This crash also harmed about twenty persons, among them three British citizens.

The Portuguese casualties comprised 4 workers from the identical social care institution, whose offices are located at the top of the sharp street used by the funicular.

Historical Context

This Glória began operation in the late 19th century, employing a system of counterweights to propel its two compartments along its 265-metre route ascending and descending a precipitous slope.

As per the bureau, a standard inspection on the day of the incident detected no issues with the wire that subsequently broke.

The investigators also reported that the operator had activated the vehicle's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to halt the carriage without the support of the counterweight system.

The entire crash unfolded in only less than a minute, according to the inquiry.

Future Measures

The agency is scheduled to publish a definitive document with security guidelines within the following twelve months, though an intermediary report may provide more information on the development of the investigation.