A preliminary investigation into the tragic funicular accident in Lisbon has revealed that the cable involved in the incident was not certified for passenger use and did not meet the specifications set by the operator. This crash, which occurred in September 2023, resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and numerous injuries, marking a significant tragedy in the city.
The crash involved the historic Glória funicular, which operates along Calçada da Glória, a narrow and steep street in Lisbon. Investigators from the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail (GPIAAF) reported that the steel cable connecting the funicular’s two cars snapped shortly after the vehicles began their ascent. Eyewitness accounts describe the horrifying moment when one of the cars derailed and sped down the street, ultimately colliding with a nearby building.
One witness, identified only as Bruno, recounted the chaos he witnessed: “The funicular car was completely out of control. It looked like a toy being thrown from one side of the Glória pavement to the other. I heard screams and then, suddenly, a loud bang.” He added, “You couldn’t hear people anymore and a cloud of brown smoke appeared.”
Investigation Findings Raise Alarm
The interim report by GPIAAF indicated “serious failures” regarding the cable, maintenance practices, and the braking system of the funicular. Specifically, it noted that the cable did not conform to the standards established by CARRIS, the operator responsible for the funicular’s maintenance and safety.
Additionally, the investigation found discrepancies in the maintenance records. Tasks that were marked as completed were not always performed, raising questions about the reliability of the maintenance plan that was recorded as “compliant and accepted” by CARRIS.
GPIAAF emphasized that the findings are preliminary and not conclusive. A comprehensive final report is expected to be released in 2024, which will provide further insights into the causes of the crash and recommendations for preventing future incidents.
Overall, the revelations from this investigation spotlight the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in public transportation systems. The tragedy has profoundly impacted the community, raising concerns about the safety of similar transport systems across the region.
