Defective Wire Caused Lisbon Funicular Collapse, Probe Finds
This fatal inclined railway crash in Portugal's capital that claimed sixteen victims in the beginning of September was triggered by a faulty wire, according to the authoritative probe issued on the start of the week.
This inquiry has advised that Portugal's capital's similar cable cars remain out of service until their security can be thoroughly confirmed.
Details of the Devastating Event
This collision took place when the 19th-century GlĂłria cable car left the rails and crashed into a edifice, shocking the metropolis and sparking serious worries about the reliability of ageing visitor sites.
The nation's accident investigation agency (GPIAAF) reported that a line connecting two compartments had disconnected just before the crash on September 3rd.
Early Findings
This preliminary document confirmed that the wire did not meet the required standards established by the local public transport company.
The line failed to comply with the standards currently applicable to be employed for the GlĂłria tram.
The comprehensive report further advised that the remaining cable cars in the city should remain out of service until authorities can ensure they have sufficient stopping mechanisms designed of stopping the vehicles in the event of a line snap.
Victims and Injuries
Of the sixteen victims, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, including 3 UK citizens, 2 South Koreans, two Canadians, a citizen of France, one Swiss, one citizen of the United States, and one citizen of Ukraine.
The accident also harmed approximately twenty people, among them 3 UK nationals.
Among the local fatalities featured 4 staff members from the same social care institution, whose offices are located at the top of the sharp side road used by the inclined railway.
Operational Information
The Elevador da GlĂłria first opened in the late 19th century, using a method of balancing weights to propel its 2 compartments along its long route climbing and descending a steep incline.
According to the bureau, a standard check on the date of the crash detected no anomalies with the line that subsequently broke.
The investigators also stated that the operator had applied the cable car's braking system, but they were powerless to prevent the car without the support of the counterweight system.
The entire crash unfolded in just under a minute, as stated by the probe.
Next Steps
This investigative body is expected to release a definitive report with operational guidelines within the next year, though an intermediary update may provide further updates on the progress of the investigation.
