Cable Deficiencies Linked to Deadly Funicular Crash

Lisbon, Portugal – A preliminary investigation into the deadly Glória funicular crash in Lisbon has revealed that the steel cable involved was not certified for passenger transport and failed to meet the operator’s specifications.

The September accident claimed at least 16 lives and injured multiple others when one of the two historic funicular cars derailed and collided with a building along Calçada da Glória, a narrow street in central Lisbon.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic:

“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,” said a man named Bruno.

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Investigation Highlights Serious Failures

The Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail (GPIAAF) reported several critical issues in its interim findings:

• The cable did not meet CARRIS operator specifications and was unfit for passenger service.
• Maintenance tasks were frequently marked as completed despite not being performed.
• The overall maintenance plan was recorded as “compliant and accepted” by the operator, despite these oversights.
• Failures in the funicular’s braking system contributed to the severity of the crash.

GPIAAF emphasized that the findings are preliminary and not conclusive, with a final report expected next year.

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Eyewitness Accounts and Community Response

Eyewitnesses recounted the car careening uncontrollably down the steep street, with passengers trapped inside.

A woman visiting a makeshift memorial expressed solidarity, leaving a message reading:

“Lisbon cries and we cry with her.”