Cable Failure in Lisbon Funicular Crash Linked to Maintenance Issues

A preliminary investigation into the tragic funicular crash in Lisbon has revealed that the cable responsible for the incident was not certified for passenger transport and did not meet the specifications set by the operator. The crash, which occurred in September 2023, resulted in the deaths of at least 16 individuals and left several others injured.

The report, detailed by the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail (GPIAAF), indicates that the steel cable connecting the two cars of the historic Glória funicular snapped shortly after the vehicles began their ascent along Calçada da Glória. Eyewitness accounts describe a harrowing scene, with one witness named Bruno stating that the funicular car became “completely out of control.” He recounted, “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.”

According to GPIAAF’s interim report, there were significant issues regarding the cable, maintenance practices, and the brakes of the funicular system. The authorities noted that maintenance tasks were inaccurately marked as completed, raising concerns about the reliability of the system. The maintenance plan was also recorded as “compliant and accepted” by CARRIS, the operator of the funicular.

Investigation Highlights Safety Shortcomings

The GPIAAF emphasized that these findings are preliminary and do not represent a final conclusion. A comprehensive report is expected to be published next year. The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the investigation continues, questions about the safety protocols and the operational standards of the funicular have surfaced. With the Glória funicular being a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon, the implications of this report may extend beyond immediate safety concerns, impacting the city’s tourism sector.

Local authorities are under pressure to ensure that such a tragedy does not recur. The interim findings shed light on possible lapses in oversight that could have contributed to this devastating event.