Faulty Wire Led to Portuguese Capital Cable Car Crash, Investigation Reveals
The deadly cable car incident in Lisbon that cost 16 people in the beginning of September was triggered by a defective line, as stated by the official inquiry issued on Monday.
This investigation has advised that Lisbon's similar transports stay halted until their safety can be thoroughly assured.
Specifics of the Tragic Incident
The collision happened when the 19th-century Elevador da Glória left the rails and crashed into a building, horrifying the city and highlighting grave fears about the safety of ageing visitor sites.
Portugal's accident investigation agency (GPIAAF) noted that a cable joining two cars had detached moments before the tragedy on 3 September.
Initial Findings
The initial document confirmed that the wire was not up to the required requirements outlined by the local transit authority.
The cable was not in compliance with the standards mandated to be used for the Glória funicular.
This comprehensive analysis further recommended that all funiculars in Lisbon ought to remain non-operational until inspectors can confirm they have sufficient stopping mechanisms designed of immobilising the vehicles in the scenario of a cable break.
Casualties and Harm
Among the sixteen victims, 11 were international visitors, comprising 3 UK citizens, 2 South Koreans, 2 Canadian nationals, one French national, a Swiss national, one citizen of the United States, and a Ukrainian national.
This incident also harmed about 20 persons, including 3 UK nationals.
Among the national casualties featured four workers from the same care facility, whose premises are located at the summit of the sharp street serviced by the funicular.
Background Information
This Elevador da Glória was inaugurated in the late 19th century, utilizing a mechanism of counterweights to propel its 2 wagons along its 870-foot route climbing and descending a precipitous hill.
As per investigators, a regular examination on the morning of the incident detected nothing unusual with the line that later failed.
The experts also noted that the conductor had engaged the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to stop the carriage without the support of the counterweight system.
This whole incident occurred in only 50 seconds, per the probe.
Future Measures
This investigative body is expected to issue a conclusive analysis with safety recommendations within the next year, though an interim report may offer additional information on the development of the probe.
