A preliminary report has shed light on the tragic funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal. Investigators now believe a snapped cable caused the runaway car to crash. The incident claimed 16 lives and left nearly 20 people hurt.
Authorities with Portugal’s transport safety office looked closely at the wreckage. They found the main cable connecting the funicular cars had broken. This cable was rated to last for 600 days but had only been in use for 337 days. All other parts of the funicular system seemed to be working fine.
The report described a frantic scene where the driver tried to hit both air and manual emergency brakes. But nothing could stop the speeding cars. The top funicular car slammed into a building at about 60 kilometers per hour. This violent impact caused the deaths and injuries.
Victims came from many countries, showing the global reach of this sorrowful event. The 16 people who died include:
- 5 Portuguese nationals
- 3 British nationals
- 2 South Korean nationals
- 2 Canadian nationals
- 1 American national
- 1 Ukrainian national
- 1 Swiss national
- 1 French national
Among the nearly 20 people injured, at least six are still in intensive care. Three others had minor injuries. Officials are still working to figure out how many victims were riding in the funicular and how many were on the street below.
The “Gloria” funicular has a long history, stretching back over 140 years. It’s a vital way for locals and visitors to get up Lisbon’s steep hills. It also stands as a famous tourist attraction. This long, proud history makes the recent tragedy even more shocking.
Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, called the accident “one of the greatest tragedies in the country’s contemporary history.” The investigation committee warns that the final cause is still not fully clear. They expect to release a complete report within 45 days.
Source: BBC