Catastrophe in Lisbon: connection lost from fatal train line
In the heart of Lisbon, tragedy struck on a Wednesday evening, as a cable car (standseilbahn) operated by the municipal transport company Carris derailed, causing a devastating accident. The "Elevador da Glória", one of Lisbon's most famous tourist attractions, transporting around three million passengers annually, was the unfortunate site of this incident.
According to the GPIAAF report, the cable present at the time of the accident had been in use for 337 days. The cable, a six-stranded structure with 36 steel wires and a fiber core, had been in service for about six years. The cable type has an expected lifespan of 600 days, but the accident occurred earlier than expected.
The cable car accident occurred due to damage to the connection of the cable with the accident vehicle. Investigations suggest that the pressure air brake system either failed or was insufficient. The cable connecting both cars at the lower and upper ends of the steep Calçada da Glória street gave way at the attachment point on the upper part of the accident vehicle.
The operator applied the pressure air brake and the hand brake, but these measures had no effect. As a result, the vehicle tipped over and finally crashed into a building. The accident involved eleven foreign nationals, including the operator, from Portugal, Germany, Britain, Canada, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, France, and the United States.
Sadly, 16 people lost their lives, and 21 were injured, some seriously. The investigation commission in Portugal is currently conducting a detailed probe into the accident, with a comprehensive final report expected in one year. Director Nelson Oliveira has stated that a detailed report will be submitted in about 45 days.
Further investigations are necessary to determine how the cable detached from the vehicle. This type of accident involving one of the city's three funiculars had not occurred before. The cable was scheduled to be replaced in less than nine months, but the accident has prompted an urgent review of the safety measures in place.
The "Elevador da Glória" remains closed for repairs, and the city of Lisbon mourns the loss of lives in this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.
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