Faulty Wire Led to Lisbon Cable Car Accident, Inquiry Finds

The deadly cable car crash in Portugal's capital that cost 16 victims in early September was attributed to a faulty cable, as stated by the official probe released on Monday.

The inquiry has recommended that Lisbon's similar cable cars remain non-operational until their safety can be fully confirmed.

Particulars of the Devastating Incident

This accident occurred when the old Elevador da Glória went off track and collided into a edifice, shocking the city and highlighting significant worries about the safety of older landmarks.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the investigative body) reported that a line connecting two compartments had detached just before the crash on the third of September.

Initial Findings

This initial document indicated that the cable failed to meet the required requirements outlined by the urban transit authority.

This cable was not in compliance with the standards in force to be employed for the Glória funicular.

This comprehensive report further urged that the remaining cable cars in Lisbon ought to be kept out of service until inspectors can confirm they have sufficient brakes capable of immobilising the cars in the event of a wire failure.

Casualties and Casualties

Of the sixteen fatalities, 11 were international visitors, featuring 3 British citizens, two Korean nationals, two Canadians, one French national, one Swiss national, an US national, and one Ukrainian.

This crash also injured approximately 20 people, including 3 British citizens.

The local casualties comprised 4 employees from the same care facility, whose offices are located at the top of the steep street accessed by the funicular.

Operational Details

This Elevador da Glória first opened in the late 19th century, using a method of counterweights to drive its two compartments along its long path climbing and descending a steep hill.

As per the bureau, a regular inspection on the morning of the accident found nothing unusual with the wire that eventually failed.

This investigators also noted that the operator had activated the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were powerless to prevent the carriage without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

The complete event occurred in only less than a minute, per the investigation.

Upcoming Steps

The agency is anticipated to release a final document with security recommendations within the next year, though an intermediary update may deliver more information on the progress of the inquiry.

Margaret Lewis
Margaret Lewis

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