Overview and Background

The tragic funicular accident in Lisbon on September 3, 2023, resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and injuries to approximately 21 others. An official inquiry has revealed that the cable connecting the two carriages of the funicular, known as the Elevador da Glória, was defective and did not meet safety standards. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the safety protocols of Lisbon's public transport system, prompting authorities to recommend that all funiculars in the city remain out of service until thorough safety checks are conducted.

Key Findings

• The faulty cable was acquired in 2022 and had not been certified for passenger use.
• Eleven of the deceased were foreign nationals, including individuals from the United Kingdom, South Korea, Canada, France, Switzerland, the United States, and Ukraine.
• The funicular's emergency brake system failed to operate effectively during the incident.
• Investigators noted a lack of proper oversight and maintenance by Carris, the company responsible for Lisbon's public transport.
• A comprehensive final report is expected within 11 months, with interim updates likely to be released sooner.

"The cable did not comply with the specifications in force at the CCFL to be used for the Glória tram," stated the preliminary report from the Portuguese Air and Rail Accident Investigations Bureau (GPIAAF).

In the aftermath of the accident, the GPIAAF's preliminary report emphasized that the information gathered so far is incomplete, and further tests are needed to determine the full scope of the incident. The report also clarified that it is premature to assign blame to any individual or organization involved.

Lisbon's Mayor, Carlos Moedas, acknowledged the technical failures highlighted in the report, distancing the incident from political oversight issues. The city has mandated that all funiculars remain out of service until safety protocols are confirmed, stressing the importance of reliable braking systems in preventing future accidents.