A preliminary report into last month's funicular crash in Lisbon that killed 16 people has detailed a litany of failings.
Portugal's Air and Rail Accident Investigations Bureau stated the underground cable, which functioned as a counterweight between two carriages, was defective and had never been certified for passenger transportation.
The cable, acquired in 2022 by Carris, the company managing Lisbon's public transport, was deemed technically unsuitable. Following the incident, Carris has since dismissed its head of maintenance for funiculars and trams.
The 140-year-old Glória funicular, a favorite among tourists, derailed and crashed into a nearby building on September 3rd.
Among the deceased were 11 foreigners, including three British nationals, while around 20 others sustained injuries.
The preliminary report highlighted that there was no oversight by Carris engineers, and the faulty cable had not been tested prior to installation.
Additionally, the report pointed out that the emergency brake system, which the driver attempted to engage when the cable snapped, malfunctioned and had never been pre-tested. Nevertheless, it stressed that the investigation is still incomplete, and determinations of guilt or negligence have not yet been made.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas reaffirmed that technical failures rather than political oversights were responsible for the tragedy.
Carris emphasized the need for clear safety management systems aligned with European best practices. Until further assessments, all Lisbon's cable cars have been suspended from service.
The full report is expected to take another 11 months to complete, although interim updates may be released sooner.
