A Portuguese intercity train traveling between Lisbon and Faro lost several carriages on Monday afternoon due to a broken coupling, prompting an official safety investigation.
The separation occurred between the towns of Grândola and Canal Caveira. While no injuries were reported, the incident is considered dangerous as a coupling failure automatically activates braking systems on all detached carriages.
Passengers aboard the train reported that the remaining carriages came to a halt on the tracks. They experienced a loss of electricity and air conditioning, and information regarding the incident was not provided for nearly an hour.
The Bureau for the Prevention and Investigation of Air and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF) has opened an inquiry into the mechanical failure.
The stranded carriages were eventually pushed by a motorailer operated by Medway, a company that transports goods. The train service is run by CP, Portugal’s national rail operator.