What Caused the Fatal Derailment of the Lisbon Funicular?
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Synopsis
A tragic incident in Lisbon has revealed that a broken cable led to the derailment of the Gloria Funicular, claiming 16 lives. This accident highlights the importance of rigorous safety inspections in transportation systems.
Key Takeaways
- Sixteen fatalities were reported due to the derailment.
- The incident was caused by a broken steel cable.
- A lack of thorough inspections contributed to the tragedy.
- The Gloria Funicular serves as an important transport link in Lisbon.
- Ongoing investigations are crucial for future safety improvements.
Lisbon, Sep 7 (NationPress) The transport accident authority of Portugal has reported that a broken steel cable was the cause of the Gloria Funicular derailment in the heart of Lisbon, resulting in the tragic loss of 16 lives and leaving 22 others injured.
According to the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF), the cable fractured at a concealed fixation point inside Cabin No. 1. Unfortunately, routine visual inspections conducted earlier that day were unable to identify the defect.
Despite the operator activating both pneumatic and manual brakes, the design of the system rendered it incapable of halting the cars after the balancing cable failed, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Investigators observed that although the emergency mechanism attempted to cut power and apply brakes, it might not have functioned on each car as intended.
The cable that failed had been installed less than a year ago and was still within its serviceable lifespan, having been maintained by an external contractor.
Notably, the Gloria Funicular does not fall under the direct supervision of the national transport regulator, with independent inspections only occurring every four years.
Reconstruction efforts revealed that Cabin No. 2 was traveling at approximately 60 km/h before it derailed.
Theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner, Will Nelson, a lecturer at Manchester's Arden School of Theatre, were identified as two of the three British nationals who tragically lost their lives on that fateful night.
The identity of the third British victim remains undisclosed.
Among the deceased were five Portuguese citizens, two Canadians, two South Koreans, one American, one French, one Swiss, and one Ukrainian.
Additionally, 21 individuals sustained injuries, with five in serious condition.
Portugal's Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, described the event as "one of the largest tragedies in our recent history".
A spokesperson from the US State Department informed CNN that the American embassy in Lisbon is "collaborating closely with local authorities to provide assistance to US citizens in the affected region".
A preliminary report is anticipated within 45 days, with final conclusions expected within about a year.
This 140-year-old funicular is designed to navigate Lisbon's steep inclines, serving as a vital mode of transport for residents and a popular attraction for tourists.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this tragic incident with empathy and a commitment to factual reporting. The loss of life is a heart-wrenching reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in public transportation. Our thoughts are with the victims' families during this difficult time.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Gloria Funicular derailment?
A snapped steel cable was confirmed as the cause of the derailment.
How many people were affected by the incident?
The derailment resulted in 16 fatalities and 22 injuries.
What safety measures were in place for the funicular?
The Gloria Funicular was subject to independent inspections every four years, but it was not directly supervised by the national transport regulator.
When can we expect the final report on the incident?
A preliminary report is expected within 45 days, with final conclusions anticipated in about a year.
Who were the victims of the accident?
The victims included individuals from various countries, including three British nationals and several Portuguese citizens.
