Damaged Line Led to Portuguese Capital Cable Car Collapse, Inquiry Reveals

The tragic cable car accident in Lisbon that cost sixteen lives in the beginning of September was triggered by a damaged line, as stated by the authoritative probe issued on the start of the week.

This probe has recommended that Lisbon's similar cable cars remain non-operational until their operational integrity can be thoroughly confirmed.

Details of the Deadly Event

This collision occurred when the old Elevador da Glória went off track and smashed into a structure, shocking the city and raising significant fears about the security of historic landmarks.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the investigative body) noted that a cable connecting two compartments had disconnected moments before the crash on 3 September.

Initial Results

The early document stated that the cable did not meet the specified requirements set by the city's public transport company.

This wire was not in compliance with the standards in force to be utilized for the Glória tram.

The comprehensive analysis also recommended that all cable cars in the city ought to be kept non-operational until experts can ensure they have sufficient braking systems capable of immobilising the vehicles in the scenario of a cable break.

Fatalities and Injuries

Of the 16 victims, 11 were non-Portuguese citizens, including 3 British nationals, two citizens of South Korea, 2 Canadians, a French national, one citizen of Switzerland, an American, and one citizen of Ukraine.

The crash also injured approximately twenty people, including three British citizens.

Among the local fatalities comprised four employees from the same welfare organization, whose premises are located at the summit of the sheer side road serviced by the cable car.

Operational Details

The Elevador da Glória first opened in the late 19th century, utilizing a mechanism of balancing weights to drive its two compartments along its 870-foot track up and down a precipitous incline.

According to authorities, a routine inspection on the date of the crash identified no issues with the line that eventually failed.

This experts also stated that the driver had activated the vehicle's stopping mechanism, but they were powerless to stop the vehicle without the support of the counterweight system.

This complete crash unfolded in just less than a minute, according to the probe.

Future Measures

This agency is scheduled to release a conclusive analysis with operational guidelines within the coming year, though an intermediary document may deliver additional information on the progress of the inquiry.