Tragic Lisbon Funicular Crash: New Report Reveals Cable Snap and Safety Concerns

A cable broke just before a tragic funicular accident in Lisbon, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. The accident investigators shared their findings recently, revealing that the operator attempted to activate emergency brakes but couldn’t prevent the derailment.

According to the report from Portugal’s accident investigation bureau (GPIAAF), a scheduled visual inspection occurred earlier that day, but the spot where the cable snapped wasn’t visible without dismantling the machinery. The funicular’s carriages only moved about six meters when they suddenly lost the balance provided by the cable.

In moments of crisis, quick actions are crucial. The vehicle’s brake-guard activated both the pneumatic and manual brakes, but these efforts didn’t slow the vehicle down. The funicular crashed into a building at a speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), all happening in just 50 seconds.

The investigation into the incident revealed that the maintenance schedule was current. Surprisingly, the cable that broke had only been in use for 337 days, well within its expected operating life of 600 days. However, it’s still unclear how many passengers were on board at the time.

Two independent investigations are now underway—one by the accident bureau and another by the prosecutors’ office—with a preliminary report expected in about 45 days.

Among those who lost their lives were individuals from various countries, including three Britons, two South Koreans, and two Canadians. The families of the victims have shared heart-wrenching tributes. For instance, Kayleigh Smith, 36, was remembered for her warmth and humor. Her family highlighted her passion for her work as a funeral operative and her recent completion of a master’s degree.

Experts have pointed to the need for improved safety measures in such transportation systems. According to a recent report from the International Association of Public Transport, accidents involving cable cars and funiculars have been on the rise, stressing the importance of rigorous maintenance and safety checks.

This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in public transportation. The goal is to ensure that incidents like this are minimized, if not entirely prevented, in the future.



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