Damaged Line Led to Portuguese Capital Inclined Railway Crash, Inquiry Finds
The deadly cable car crash in Portugal's capital that claimed sixteen lives in early September was attributed to a damaged wire, according to the official inquiry published on Monday.
This probe has advised that the city's similar vehicles stay halted until their operational integrity can be completely assured.
Details of the Deadly Accident
The accident occurred when the old Glória funicular left the rails and crashed into a edifice, shocking the capital and raising serious fears about the safety of historic landmarks.
The nation's air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF) stated that a wire connecting two compartments had disconnected moments before the crash on the third of September.
Preliminary Results
The early document stated that the wire was not up to the mandatory specifications established by the city's public transport company.
The cable did not comply with the requirements in force to be employed for the Glória tram.
This comprehensive report also advised that all cable cars in the capital ought to be kept suspended until authorities can ensure they have adequate braking systems designed of halting the cars in the scenario of a cable break.
Casualties and Harm
Among the 16 fatalities, eleven were foreign nationals, comprising 3 UK nationals, two South Koreans, 2 citizens of Canada, one Frenchwoman, one Swiss, one American, and a Ukrainian national.
The accident also hurt approximately twenty persons, including 3 Britons.
The Portuguese fatalities featured 4 staff members from the same care facility, whose workplace are positioned at the summit of the sheer street serviced by the funicular.
Operational Information
The Glória funicular was inaugurated in the late 19th century, utilizing a mechanism of weight compensation to move its two cars along its long path ascending and descending a steep hill.
As per authorities, a regular check on the day of the crash found no anomalies with the line that eventually failed.
This experts also reported that the conductor had activated the funicular's brakes, but they were unable to stop the vehicle without the assistance of the balancing mechanism.
This entire event unfolded in merely 50 seconds, according to the inquiry.
Upcoming Measures
The investigative body is expected to issue a final analysis with safety suggestions within the next year, though an preliminary report may offer additional details on the progress of the investigation.
