Account of Portugal's Streetcar Mishap Outlines Defect in the Wire Connecting the Compartments
In a tragic incident that has left Lisbon in mourning, a streetcar known as the Elevador da Gloria derailed on a steep downtown hill on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of 16 lives and injuring 21 others. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, but an investigative report released by the Office for Air and Rail Accident Investigations over the weekend sheds some light on the sequence of events.
The report states that a cable connecting the two cabins of the funicular essentially snapped during the derailment, causing the cabin at the top to speed downward. The streetcar, which has been in service since 1914 and can carry more than 40 people, seemed to have no chance of stopping as both the pneumatic brake and the hand brake applied by the cabin's brakeman proved ineffective.
The two cabins traveled not more than about 6 meters before losing the balancing force provided by the connecting cable. The derailment occurred on a steep hill, making the situation even more critical.
The investigative report did not specify the cause of the cable snapping. However, it is expected that a final report containing the causes of the accident will be published at a later date. If a final report isn't possible within one year, an interim report will be published instead.
The exact number of passengers in each vehicle at the time of the accident has not yet been determined. The authorities are working diligently to gather this information and provide updates as they become available.
This derailment is considered one of Lisbon's worst tragedies in recent memory, leaving the city in a state of shock and grief. The institution responsible for investigating the fatal tram accident in Lisbon is the local police authority or the relevant Portuguese transportation safety investigation body; however, the exact name of the person or institution is not explicitly stated in the available search results.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragic event. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
